Q&A - Kofi Yates

Ahead of MGM Manchester's show this coming Saturday we caught up with new lightweight Kofi Yates. This weekend marks his debut in the 135lbs division and what is hopefully a successful run in a highly competitive domestic division.

Please tell us about your boxing background? How did you get in to the sport?

My family was friends of the Egan family who ran the local boxing gym; they saw me getting into a lot of trouble and persuaded me to start fighting in the gym instead.

Who is your all time boxing idol?

I'd have to say Chavez Snr, he was class in all areas. I like to think that's more my style haha.

You fight on February 20th on the first MGM Manchester show. How is your training going ahead of the fight?

Training is always great with me. We have a good atmosphere in the gym and we enjoy what we do. Boxing is a break away from reality, I would spend all day in the gym if I could.

Do you have an opponent lined up? You were rumoured to be fighting Peter Cope, how did that fight fall through?

I have but I can't remember his name sorry ha. I was yeah, we both agreed to the fight for a final eliminator for the English title. Then the board ordered 3 eliminators so that would have left me fighting 3 fights to get to the English title for next to nothing when those type of fights are worth more money as Peter is a good kid and we both deserve a shot at titles and TV fights. If it could be made for a final eliminator we would take that tomorrow.

You've had 13 fights now, and you're still only a young fighter. How much experience do you believe you've gained so far and how important has this been to your development?

I think it's great to be busy, runners run, swimmers swim, we box. There is no point being great in the gym and crap under the lights. Experience is something you can't buy so earning your stripes while you can is important I believe.

How do you find it being an MGM fighter? How important are the team behind you?

It sounds like everyone says it about their team etc. but you wouldn't believe the help and support you get from the lads at MGM, in and out of boxing. I've not just made a career move I've made some lifelong friends too.

You must be pleased with the formation of MGM Manchester and to get regular fights in your hometown?

Of course it's great to be fighting local but in all honestly I will fight where ever. I like to be busy and if that means traveling so be it.

You're trained by Anthony Farnell, how much do you enjoy working with him and how important is he to your career development?

Arnie is an inspiration to be honest, he's been in there and done it but it’s not just that. The passion he has for boxing and as a coach is second to none, he's in the gym from 8:30am to 3pm every day. We all get one to one training, pads and technique work most days, you couldn't ask for more.

Which other British boxer, apart from yourself, do you believe we should keep an eye on in 2016?

Josh Taylor, he's a class act from what I've seen and a really nice lad I hope he comes good this year.

What are your aims for 2016? Where would you like to be in terms of your career in 12 months time?

I believe if I get the right fights and no one swerves them I could pick up the English, commonwealth or European something along those lines I'm sure.