Q&A - Ben Hall

Ahead of his Southern Area title shot at the end of the month, we caught up with undefeated Super-Welterweight prospect Ben Hall. Read on to find out his boxing background, showcasing his skills on a big bill and lots more!

British Boxing Blog - Tell us about your boxing background. How did you get in to the sport? Ben Hall - I got into boxing through my dad. He was a boxer in the army for years. It's always been in my blood. My uncle was a pro fighter. My granddad a fighter and so on. Following that I had a good amateur career; winning two junior titles and boxing for England as a senior at 17, finishing with a record of 41 fights 36 wins. BBB - Who are your all time boxing idols? BH - There are a few fighters I like as there have been so many great fighters. But Felix Trinidad is my favourite. Such an explosive fighter. James Toney in his prime was also pure class. BBB - You fight for the Southern Area on Jan 30th at the huge Copper Box show, how's preparation going for such an important fight? BH - Yeah preparation has gone brilliantly. I started sparring 10 rounders from last week. And I feel great. Peter has put together a great game plan and we are both on the same page and have a complete understanding on what's needed to win this fight. BBB - You must be really pleased to have a title fight on such a good bill? Do you believe this is the perfect stage for you to showcase your skills? BH - Yes, I'm over the moon with it all. This is why we get in the game. To fight in front of thousands of people. And I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment with my past two performances so my confidence is high and [I] look forward [to] showing how good I am in front of more people. BBB - You're unbeaten so far in 8 fights. If you win the Southern Area title in January, what will your aims be for the rest of 2016? BH - I'm not too sure. I leave that down to Peter Sims. He's in charge of my career. But I'm sure he will say the same thing; we are ready to kick on now and take over the division. An international title or get to the English I would guess. But we are ready. BBB - You've fought at both York Hall and the O2 so far in your career, which do you prefer, the smaller more intimate venues or the bigger more prestigious shows? BH - The bigger the better. I want as many people to see me as possible. The more people that see me, the higher my stock rises. BBB - You're trained by Peter Sims, who believes you have enormous potential. Just how important is his guidance and knowledge to your development as a fighter? BH - Very important. Peter has complete faith in me and I have in him. We have a very close relationship which is more than boxer and trainer. BBB - Which of your gym mates do you believe are destined for big things in 2016? BH - I think all the fighters in the gym have a great chance to achieve big things this year. Just down to themselves to keep focused BBB - When you look at the British rankings in your division, do you believe winning the Southern Area belt will set you on the path for a tilt at maybe an English or even a British shot by the end of the year? BH - Yes absolutely. We would fight for the English title tomorrow if we could. And by the end of the year the British title is something in realistic reach if I keep doing what I'm doing. BBB - And finally, do you have a message for Kris Agyei Dua ahead of your fight at the Copperbox? BH - Nothing to say. I'm just ready to fight. Thank you for the exposure, I enjoyed this interview.

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