Q&A - Ashley Theophane

Ashley Theophane has had quite the career and it shows no sign of slowing down just yet. At 35 years of age, the Super-Lightweight is on the cusp of a world title shot and is under the stewardship of the best boxer of his generation. We were truly excited to get to find out what makes the man tick and what he honestly thinks about British boxing. Read on to find out what the man known as "Treasure" had to say.

British Boxing Blog - How did you first find your way into boxing?

Ashley Theophane - My father used to stay up late to watch the big fights featuring Mike Tyson and US based fights, he'd allow me to watch them. I enjoyed it. I wanted to do it. I wanted to fight in America. So this was a childhood goal of mine. I'm glad I've been able to achieve what I set out to do.

BBB - Who are your boxing idols?

Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker and Roy Jones. Jr.

BBB - Your recent career path has taken you away from the UK, but it is important to remember you were a British champion at Super-Lightweight. How big an honour was this for you?

AT - That was a big honour for me as no one gave me a chance to beat Lenny Daws. I was world number 4 when I accepted the fight and he was world number 20. I've never had backing from the UK boxing establishment so it was just one fight for me to prove them wrong.

BBB - And on the note of your move to Vegas, your story is quite unique. We are aware you trained at the Mayweather Gym for a while, is that how your TMT (The Money Team) connection began?

AT - Yes but I was in NYC for 7/8 years and I popped over to Vegas for two weeks just to train at Floyd's gym and watch him train for his Miguel Cotto fight. Floyd noticed me on my first day there and asked me who I was. So a year went by. I was no longer British champion so I went back to Vegas to get on Floyd's team. He remembered me and asked me how my career was going. Couple months later he told me he was signing me. Few months later I opened up the PPV telecast for his fight with Canelo.

BBB - Even before you fought under the Mayweather banner, you weren’t afraid to fight on the road. Do you feel this has helped you as a boxer? And just how big an influence has Floyd had on your career?

AT - Yes I fought in Saint Lucia, Germany, America and Luxembourg before being signed to Mayweather Promotions. I always got more love from abroad than I did at home so it's something I've always enjoyed doing. Athletes compete worldwide. Boxing is the only sport where athletes hate going into their opponents backyard. I've always been the underdog so I set my own goals and work towards them. I don't care what outsiders think as they don't pay me. Floyd has shown me the most love from anyone in the boxing community. Took me ten years to get a promoter to back me. British champion and world number four on my own. Imagine what I'd achieve with a promoter backing me. Lost my first fight with Floyd but now won six straight and a four weight world champion calling me out after his win. Doesn't matter what people think of me. I'm always moving forward even after setbacks. Floyd is cool and has always been like whatever you need just ask me. Man believes in me and has backed me over the last three years. He doesn't have to, he's chosen to have to have me in his team. He respects my grind and knows I'm a hard worker.

BBB - Are you any closer to knowing when you will fight next? A potential world title shot against Adrien Broner has been mooted, how do you feel you match up against “The Problem”?

AT - Floyd told me before my last fight he wanted to make that fight. AB called me out after his last win and just this week said I'm fighting him next so we will see. Mayweather promotions will announce my next fight. I believe I can beat Adrien. So does Floyd. Holly Holm just did the unthinkable so upsets happen. Mickey, Ishe and Badou were all underdogs. I will be to if I fight Adrien. That doesn't mean I can't win. I will win.

BBB - Another world champion you have shared the ring with is Danny Garcia. Since that controversial win, he has gone onto have a lot of success. How do you think he would fare in a rematch with UK welterweights Amir Khan and Kell Brook?

AT - I think Amir can beat him but Danny has that deadly left hook. Kell could probably beat him but Kell needs to leave the UK. The top Americans will not go there to fight him.

BBB - Is there anything about the UK that you miss?

AT - I miss my family and friends.

BBB - Which boxer (apart from yourself) should we look out for in 2016?

AT - Don't know. I don't watch a lot of boxing. Only the big fights I pay attention to. Luke Campbell is one I know of. He'll hit the big time soon.

BBB - And finally, what does the future hold for Ashley Theophane?

AT - Achieving my 50th professional victory, becoming world champion and being financially secure are my goals so I'm working towards those.

What a fantastic insight into a fascinating fighter. We at British Boxing Blog would like to thank Ashley for his time and wish him well for the future, whatever that may hold.

#Theophane #Treasure #TMT #Floyd #Mayweather #Lonsdale #WBA #SuperLightweight #Vegas