The Prizefighters - Chris Burton by Ian McNeilly Sep 5th 2008

Prizefighter 2 takes place at Newcastle Arena a week today.  In the run up to what promises to be an exciting event, BBN will bring you an exclusive interview with each of the contestants.  We start today with the tournament betting favourite, Chris 'Hightower' Burton. Name: Chris Burton Age: 27 Pro record: 11-0 (6) Birthplace: Dumfries Where you live now: In a caravan in Hartlepool (just whilst in training for Prizefighter – I normally live in a house in Darlington). Age first started boxing: 18 Who introduced you to the sport: I got off my arse myself and went down and asked at a local boxing club. First amateur club: Albert Hill ABC, Darlington. Memories of first amateur fight: Euphoria – even though I got beat on points. It was at the King's Head Hotel in Darlington which burned down recently. I gave the lad a standing count in the first. I was very nervous, unbelievable feeling. Amateur career: I got to the ABA semis twice. The first time I was miles ahead on points in the last round, the ref shouted stop, the lad (Luke Howkins) clattered me, rocked me and I got stopped. He should have been disqualified! The next year I got beat by David Price – I think it was 11-4. Memories of pro debut: Dave Ingleby – very good. (W RSF 3) I was nervous because there was lots of local support (the fight was in Yarm) but I was in good condition. Where you train: Fannan's Gym, Hartlepool. Usual training routine: Running six miles on the beach in the morning, sparring in the afternoon along with pads and circuits. Likes and dislikes about being a boxer: Likes – getting hit. Dislikes – not getting hit. (No, I haven't got this wrong – Ed.) Superstitions: Touching wood and I don't like tempting fate. Biggest influence on boxing career: Neil Fannan. Married, girlfriend or single: Married (14th August this year). Kids: A son, Christopher, who is three in October. Car you drive: A tiny car! Citroen C3. Favourite food: Ostrich steak. Favourite TV: Ben 10. F avourite film: Rocky III Favourite music: Anything that sounds good to me, really. Favourite book: FHM Favourite current boxer: Joe Calzaghe Favourite all-time boxer: Sugar Ray Leonard Other sporting interests: Fell running Hobbies and interests outside of sport: Family time mostly – taking the kid out. And my security business, Titan Security. Wild card question – When was the last time you were in a nighclub: That long ago that I can't remember! If you were a bookie, what odds would you make yourself for Prizefighter: Odds-on favourite. Prizefighter tickets cost between £25 and £70 and can be bought from www.theprizefighterseries.com or by calling 0844 493 6666.

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