Get to Know… the 'Diamond of Devon' Jamie Speight
Newton Abbot in the Teignbridge District of Devon is best known for the River Teign, the historic 800-year-old St Leonard's Tower, and Jamie Speight.
The three-time Southern Area champion is the pride of his county, that is not particularly known for its boxing heroes. The amateur champion dominated his area during his unpaid education and has replicated the success in the paid code by winning the Southern Area title – the oldest prize in British boxing history – no less than three times at two different weights.
The talented Devonian met with BBN to answer a series of quickfire questions:
Name: Jamie Speight
Record: 15-34
Weight: Featherweight-Lightweight
Born: Torquay
Residence: Newton Abbot
DOB: 09-09-88
Nickname: "The Genius"
Favourite all-time boxer? "Mike Tyson and Emmanuel Augustus."
Favourite current boxer? "Terrence Crawford."
Favourite fight? "Jose Luis Castillo vs Diego Corrales (especially round 10)."
Boxing clubs? "I was at Apollo ABC for my whole amateur career. As a pro, I started in Plymouth under Glyn Mitchell and Nigel Christian, then had a stint in Torquay under friend and former fighter Gareth Hogg, I boxed Josh Warrington for the English title, losing on points, then following that made the move to Leeds to train alongside him under Sean O’Hagan. Two years on and I came home to Devon and I’m now back with Gareth Hogg again."
Amateur honours? "I got to the Junior ABA semi-finals twice and the NACYP semi-finals once. I won the Southern Divisional Championships seven times as a junior and the Western Counties six times."
Biggest achievement in boxing? "Boxing in a packed out O2 Arena against Reece Bellotti for the WBC Silver International featherweight itle and holding the Southern Area title three times at two different weights."
Toughest ever opponent? "Former Olympian and all-round talent Joe Cordina. Quality quality fighter and a great lad."
Goals in boxing? "It was and always will be to leave the sport safely. For me, a British title would be a dream and a real privilege."
Retirement age? "I’ve lived the life and not burnt the candle at both ends so I could make it last, but sensibly 35/36, I’d say."
Team? "The boss man (manager) Steve Goodwin – great bloke; trainer Gareth Hogg; corner men John Cole and Rich Farnan and finally the fighter – me."
Boxing style? "I’m a well educated fighter and I can switch my style or stance at the drop of a hat based on what is put in front of me. Was always a stylish boxer but over the years as a pro and mostly being in Leeds with Sean and Josh [Warrington], I learnt to in-fight and quite enjoy it."
Ring walk song? "Luther Vandross – Never Too Much."
Pre-fight rituals? "I say a prayer before every fight for mine and my opponent's safety, other than that I just have a Nando’s after I’m refuelled and stay happy, smiling and cracking jokes, there's nothing worse and more unsettling than a quiet, serious changing room."
Favourite brand of gloves? "Rival are the most comfortable gloves I’ve ever worn but for fighting and doing damage I’ve never wore a thinner pair of gloves than Everlast Powerlock."
Best venue? "I loved the O2 Arena, it was packed out and the atmosphere was great, decent changing rooms also. My dream would be to fight in America, probably at the MGM Grand."
Best belt? "Green and gold baaaaby! The WBC."
Favourite football team? "Liverpool, mum's a scouser!"
Other sports? "I follow football, rugby and UFC."
Favourite holiday destination? "Lamai in Koh Samui, Thailand."
Favourite TV programme? "Eastenders, The Voice."
Favourite film? "At the minute, I’ve been impressed with two films that normally I wouldn’t even consider watching but once forced I hold my hands up and admit they were both brilliant and huge favourites of mine! The Greatest Showman and Bohemian Rhapsody."
What actor would play you in a film of your life? "Tom Hardy. He doesn’t look like me in any way but we are similar in personality and mannerism, plus he's quality so I’d be happy with that!"
Favourite music? “I’m a musical prostitute darling! No, I’m pretty open with music mate will give anything a chance."
Favourite food? "Thai food."
Favourite restaurant? "A place in Plymouth called “The Steak and Omelette.”
Favourite brands? "Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, LGND."
Favourite superhero? "I don’t really have one but if I have to pick I’ll say Spider-Man."
Phobias? "None."
Motto? “Treat people the way you wish to be treated.”
Next fight? March 2nd
What fight do you want to see happen this year? "Tough one….AJ vs Wilder / Fury or Kal Yafai vs Charlie Edwards. I’d also like to see Andrew Selby thrown in that mix because he’s a serious talent."
If you could fight anyone, past or present, who would it be? "Floyd Mayweather Jr just to say I’ve done it and also to feel for myself how superior he is with speed, timing, balance etc."
What is the best division to watch in boxing and why? "I’d say around the middleweight division, they are still fast and mobile like the little fellas and they posses enough power to put people too sleep at that weight so you get the best of both worlds, plus it’s a hot division at the minute also."
What is most important to you in your career between money or glory? "I think they are both equally important, I’d like to think when I retire people will remember me as being fearless and fighting everyone put in front of me, on the flip side, as a fighter, I put my health and ultimately my life at risk for the entertainment of others and the glory of promoters, so we should be rewarded for our bravery."
Where do you want to be in your career in exactly one year’s time from now? "I’d like a third and final crack at the English title before pushing on to achieve my lifelong ambition of being a British champion or just even fighting for that belt."
Tell us something that not many people know about you? "I’m a softy at heart. I have a massive love for dogs; in fact, truth be told, I prefer dogs to humans by a country mile, and I can sing a bit, especially in the shower!"
Twitter? "Boxing fans follow me on Twitter @boxerjayspeight for the ride of your life!"