Q&A - Jose Lopes

As we continue to build towards HayeDay, this Saturday at the O2, we got to speak to another of the undercard fighters, unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Jose Lopes. This is a man who is out to impress, fighting on the same massive card as one of his favourite fighters. Read on to find out more...

British Boxing Blog - What are your boxing origins? How did you get into the sport?

Jose Lopes - I used to play football but when I was 15 I walked into a boxing gym and I never really looked back, I knew it was the sport for me. I grew up in Dagenham my club as an Amateur was Dagenham ABC this is where I started my boxing career.

BBB - Who are your boxing idols?

JL - Muhammad Ali (of course). The boxer I look up to at the moment is David Haye, so you can appreciate just how excited I am to be on his undercard, a truly great opportunity for me. BBB - You've made an impressive start to your pro career, going 5-0 including 3 wins in 2015, how do you assess your progress?

JL - Slow, steady and dynamic BBB - You have definitely shown some power already in your career. Do you feel, at this stage of your career, you'd be happier blasting opponents out or getting some rounds in?

JL - It’s always good to get the rounds in as it’s experience and benefits me as a fighter but when opportunity comes to take them out I’ll always go for it. BBB - Just how big an opportunity is fighting on a David Haye undercard at the O2?

JL - A big one - It’s an amazing break for a boxer like me, at this stage of my career, to be on such a prestigious event, with the added bonus of gaining experience fighting in a big arena - it’s unbelievable. I have to give huge thanks to HayeMaker Promotions for making this fantastic opportunity happen. I plan to put on a great show for the audience. BBB - You turned pro with Goodwin promotions. How much does their support mean to you?

JL - I contacted Goodwin Promotions when I decided to turn pro. Steve took the time out of his busy day to have a meeting with me, where we discussed my career goals and from this first meeting we’ve never really looked back. He seemed genuinely excited to get involved in my career and we started planning almost immediately there and then. That initial excitement has not faded, I'm very lucky to have someone like Steve Goodwin supporting me, we have a great relationship which I hope continues long into my career. In fact, I’m very lucky that so early in my career I'm working with such great people, the team around me is really strong. BBB - How has training been ahead of next week's bout?

JL - It’s been really good, everything has gone according to plan and I’m READY! BBB - Who do you think is the best active boxer in the UK?

JL -David Haye; I’ve looked up to him since I was an amateur and followed his career closely ever since. BBB - Apart from yourself, who should we keep an eye on in 2016?

JL - There are quite a few good up and coming fighters around, it would be difficult to pick one at this stage.

BBB - And finally, what does 2016 hold for Jose Lopes?

JL - More fights, keep learning, keep busy and push for a title fight by end of the year.

#Jose #Lopes #Haye #HayeDay #Hayemaker #Goodwin #O2 #London