'Get me Craig Watson!' - Michael Lomax interview by Paul Foley Apr 15th 2008

BBN welcomes another new writer in Paul Foley. Paul kicks off with an interview with Michael Lomax, Chingford's 29-year-old welterweight (11-1-1). How did you get into boxing: When I was 8 my parents wanted me to toughen up and become street wise. Dad took me to the local club, Waltham Forest ABC.   Describe your first time in a gym: Amusing. While watching others spar I wasn't holding onto the ring properly, they backed into me. I hit my head against the wall, fell down and was knocked out!   Who has had the biggest influence on your career and why: Marvin Hagler, even though he started off as a journeyman he became unbeatable and never avoided anyone. I like the underdogs.   Amateur career highlights: Very successful. I had over 100 fights, only 16 defeats. 7 National finals. 1 senior ABA title. England national representative.   Average trainning day: In the morning get up at 5.a.m. for a 40- 60 minute run then off to work until 4.p.m. I go to the gym and do technical sparring, weight circuits and a lot of cardio work until 6.30pm.   How do you prepare mentally for a fight: Once I've got a fight date, I become focused locking myself away from friends, but still talk to them on the phone.   What does a typical fight day look like: I still get up early (6 a.m.). Lounge around watching TV. Have a nice breakfast and go for a walk, keeping active until arriving at venue for about 5 p.m.   As a pro for five years why have you had so few fights?: The boxing scene has gone quiet, promoters don't have the shows. A car jacking incident put me out for eight months and I still have physiotherapy for a pelvis injury.   Given the chance what would Michael Lomax be: With the breaks I know I could take the British title. My main goal is to be successful in Britian. People are surprised how good I am when they spar with me.   Assessment of career to date: Slow!   What did you learn in your only defeat so far: I fought at a lower weight, (light-welterweight division.) and thought it would be easy to overpower him. (Craig Watson, current Commonwealth welterweight champion.). Not enough preparation with only four days to lose 13lbs.   How do you see the next 12-18 months taking shape?: I only normally box on the same bills as Colin Lynes and might be fighting in Milan during the next four weeks. Just waiting for the call.   What do you think of the other British welterweights?: Michael Jennings is the best, very classy counter puncher, got the punch, speed and very clever. Apart from him it's very open. I know I would beat Craig Watson at welterweight.   Who would you most like to fight and why: Craig Watson. I have never lost a return and know what his mistakes are.   Toughest opponent and why: Myself. I can lose when not doing the right game plan, by getting the red mist and trying to please the crowd.   Life outside the ring: Nice lifestyle. Married with a girl on the way in seven weeks. I am not into partying but prefer to catch up with family. Very competitive and bad loser in games!   What makes a winner: Focus. Get all I can.   One word that best describes you: Vain.   What can people expect to see when watching you: Class. Great counter puncher. Very good on my feet. Make opponents look bad.   Best and worst part of being a boxer: Winning and my fans.  Dieting, making the weight and waiting for the fight date.   One thing you would change in boxing: The politics.   Greatest fear: Getting knocked out.   How would you like to be remembered: As a  British or Commonwealth champion.   How would you fight Floyd Mayweather: I would give as good as I get and do my best.   View on American Promoters: Don King is a shark. He's stabbed many in the back. Golden Boy look after their fighters because Oscar as a boxer knows what we go through.   Life after boxing: Move out of England and get fat.

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