Q&A - Tobias Webb
- britishboxingblog
- Jan 8, 2016
- 3 min read
Prior to MGM Scotland's Edinburgh Fight Night in December last year, we interviewed their main eventer David Brophy for his take on a late change of opponent. He noted that he thought Tobias Webb was a tough fight but not even he could have imagined just how tough. The Welshman gave the Scot all he could handle on short notice and we have looked forward to getting his take on that match, and his general boxing banter, so we were delighted he agreed to an interview.
British Boxing Blog - How did you get into boxing?
Tobias Webb - My grandpa Mario Maccarinelli got me into boxing. He had me on pads from age 3 messing about. He must have spotted talent in me to put his energy in me and just took more and more interest as I got older.
BBB – Who is your boxing idol?
TW - My boxing idols are Enzo Maccarinelli, a bit biased with that but he’s sharp and powerful. I also enjoyed watching Gerald McClellan, Marvin Hagler and Meldrick Taylor.
BBB - We were fortunate enough to be ringside for your previous bout, a classic 10 rounder against David Brophy that was recognised as BBB's FOTY, how likely is a rematch?
TW - I'm hoping for a rematch [but] it will be down to his management of course to accept my request on a rematch. But they’d be silly not to let us have one. It need to be televised and maybe for some sort of title or something. My manager and team would want one! Brophy is a decent person as well as boxer so I think he'd be happy to have one.
BBB - You've mentioned that you didn't have a full camp last time, as you were a late replacement for Ghanaian Charles Adamu. How do you see it playing out if the fight were to happen again and you were fully prepared?
TW - I took the fight on short notice, not taking away the fact that Brophy won, and I real enjoyed trading shots with him. I gave a good account of myself but I feel I’d be greater prepared with time to train for a 10 rounder. Since the fight was close it’s hard to say how it would play out but there would be a fitter, stronger Tobias.
BBB - Do you watch much boxing in your spare time? TW - I do watch most fights. My wife enjoys boxing as well so it's on in the background anyway, if I don't have cartoons on for my children.
BBB - You have faced both Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding previously. Were you surprised at how easily Smith dealt with Fielding in their encounter?
TW - Yes absolutely! I thought Rocky may have lasted longer as I've felt his power. He isn't as precise as Callum with the shots I felt but still packs power. Callum just looked huge compared to him and powerful. He [Rocky] got hit with heavy shots to the head, I'm glad mine were to my stomach!
BBB - Just how big an influence is Gary Lockett on your career?
TW – He’s a good trainer and I'm glad he's willing to help me. I get the best sparring in Wales there with champions and being around champions will hopefully help me become one.
BBB - Same goes for Enzo Maccarinelli really. He had a great win last time out. It must be great having someone with his experience to train with?
TW - I love watching and training with Enzo. He's more of a big brother than an uncle to me, he is a machine! He's been my mentor since [I was] a child and even now I still take his advice. However he will admit this; in 12 X 400m sprints I used to beat him at the first and last one every time!
BBB – Which British prospect should we look out for in 2016?
TW - One of my favourite prospects up and coming is Alex Hughes, a middleweight. I've sparred him loads and he's a massive talent. Very awkward fight and hard to hit I'm sure he will become a champion.
BBB - And finally what does the future hold for Tobias Webb?
TW - For me I've got a good manager, a good team around me and I'm blessed to have a good wife who will support me and push me on. As for fights, I'm an open class fighter. I don't turn down fights because I'm in a fighting game, which means I should fight everyone I can and try to beat them the best I can. I want all wins this year and I want a rematch with Brophy, [in what would be] a more meaningful fight.
Comments