Get to know… Kaan Oguz Hawes
‘Unlike the others, I’ve had the experience of an Ultimate Boxxer fight night all before, and I think that will pay off.’
The 33-year-old Haringey Box Cup finalist, Kaan Hawes, spoke to BBN just before his second stint in the Ultimate Boxxer series starts on September 20 in London.
Age: 33
Height: 5ft 11ins
Record: 5-1-1
Stance: Orthodox
In a nutshell
Cricket-loving Kaan Hawes will become the first man to have competed in two Ultimate Boxxer tournaments when he steps through the ropes on September 20 at the Indigo at the O2, having lost to Kieron Conway in the third instalment of the series. He’ll bring plenty of support from nearby Essex, including celebrity supporter and good friend Olly Murs. The pair played Sunday League football back in the day, and singer-songwriter Murs has attended many of Hawes’ fights since he took the sport up seven years ago.
How long have you been boxing?
I’ve been boxing for about six or seven years, started quite late as a 26-year-old after picking up a knee injury playing football. I had 14 fights, nothing amazing, but did win the BoxCup competition in Denmark. I also lost in the final of the Haringey Boxing Cup.
What got you into the sport?
I’ve always loved boxing, Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed are heroes and when I had my knee injury I started doing boxing training more to keep fit than anything and it went from there. I was hooked!
Why Ultimate Boxxer?
I was fortunate enough to have been involved in one of the earlier tournaments, when I fought at Ultimate Boxxer III in the middleweights. Now I’ve got the opportunity to compete at my natural weight (super welterweight) in what will be a great show and for small hall fighters I don’t think you can do much better than show your skills on a platform like this.
Why should we make you the favourite for the UB5 Golden Robe?
Because unlike the others, I’ve had the experience of an Ultimate Boxxer fight night all before, and I think that will pay off. The format does suit me, but the thing that attracted me was the talent that you’re in the ring with – I don’t want to pad my record with journeyman who have had lots of fights, I want to test myself – when this opportunity came up it was either go back to small halls, or step up and take the chance. It’s a no brainer.
When you’re training, what’s on the music playlist?
I do listen to all sorts, but I absolutely love The Arctic Monkeys.
Who is your favourite sports team, or individual athlete outside of boxing?
I support Manchester United, always have. I’m mates with Olly Murs, and he and I would often drive up to Old Trafford from Essex to watch matches together.
Who is your favourite fighter?
I would say there are two, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.
What would be your dream fight, if we could transform your weight, height, or put you in a time machine?
Definitely against Ricky Hatton at the MEN Arena in Manchester.