Q&A - Lee Haskins

The UK boxing scene is booming and you only have to look at the list of current world champion boxers as proof. British Boxing Blog were lucky enough to catch up with one of them, current IBF Bantamweight champion Lee Haskins was kind enough to answer our questions on all things boxing.

British Boxing Blog - Firstly, congratulations on becoming a world champion. Going back to that "fight" against Randy Caballero, how do you look back on all of that now? How do you process that now? Is it a strange situation, becoming a world champion due to another man not making weight?

Lee Haskins - You know it was a strange set of circumstances all round, when we stepped on the scales and even just afterwards I thought we were still fighting. I remember looking into his eyes and thinking I’ve got this. Looking back it was a shame it had to happen that way because I really thought that would be my crowning moment but onwards and upwards and I can’t wait to show people how good I am now that I have the title. As far as I’m concerned I beat the top challenger for the title so I just class it as winning a vacant title.

BBB - Looking back, what are your thoughts on Caballero now? You must have felt let down by him, having gone through your training camp and not having a fight at the end of it? Not to mention your friends, family and team that had made the trip out to Vegas to support you?

LH - It was annoying as making weight for any boxer is always hard work and he would have definitely known he was going to be over a couple of weeks out. It worked out alright in the end as we all had a good time but just a shame that I couldn’t show all the hard work I had been putting in.

BBB - You have your first defence lined up, a fight against Ivan Morales on May 14th. Is this when you'll finally feel like a genuine world champion, when you fight with the title on the line?

Yeah, when I can stand in that ring at the end of the fight with my hand raised and my belt around my waist then it will all feel real.

BBB - Your fight is live on channel 5, it must be good for you to fight live on terrestrial TV and gaining exposure to a big audience?

LH - That’s right, a few of my fights have been on Channel 5 now and they always speak highly of me which is nice. Hopefully we can just keep on pushing and get me the exposure I need for the big fights.

BBB - Looking to the future, it is well known that Jamie McDonnell also holds a Bantamweight world title. You've beaten him before back in 2008. Is this a fight you would want again? Potentially for a world title unification?

LH - Most definitely, there has been a bit of to and fro on Twitter between us and he thinks that it’s some sort of popularity contest. I have no problem with him and as far as I’m concerned if the fight happens it happens but I’m just focussing on defending my title for now.

Speaking of British Bantamweight's, Stuart Hall recently won a final eliminator for your title*. You beat him back in 2012, is this a fight you'd like again? Would you be confident of emerging victorious again?

LH - That would be an easy defence for me I beat him almost every round last time and I can’t see this one being any different. It does bother me that when he held the title he wouldn’t give me a shot but now I’ve got it he’s been doing a lot of talking.

BBB - Take us back to the start please Lee, how did you get in to boxing? What is your background in the sport?

LH - I started when I was about 14 years old in the same club I am still in now, I had a few amateur fights but really wanted to be a pro. I never thought I would achieve what I have and everything has been a bonus.

BBB - Who are your all time boxing idols?

LH - I like Prince Naz he was a big inspiration growing up.

BBB - Do you watch much boxing in your spare time? Which British fighters are you currently most impressed with?

LH - I do a bit when it’s on, of course the big fights. I like James De Gale he’s a nice guy, Frampton is good aswell and I’d love that fight. Fury is another top guy and it was great to see him get to the top last year!

BBB - And finally, you've been a British, European, and you're now a world champion. What does Lee Haskins want to achieve for the remainder of his boxing career?

LH - Just keep on winning really, I still have love for the sport and want to keep going as long as I can.

Massive thanks again to world champion Lee for taking the time to speak to us and giving some really great, in depth answers.

*At the time we asked the question originally this fight hadn't happened, hence lack of comment on the result.