Get to know…light-heavyweight prospect Darrel Church as he enters into Ultimate Boxxer II next
BBN throw a series of quickfire questions to the 175-pounder:
Name: Darrel Church
Record: W7-L2-D1
Weight: Light-heavyweight
Born: Tiptree, Essex
Residence: Chelmsford, Essex
DOB: 08/05/1989
Nickname? “Sam Stokes nicknamed me "The Baptist" years ago and somehow it stuck, but since then I've been known as "Dazzing". Had to wait for Darren Barker to retire first though!"
Favourite current boxer? “I love an English fighter, so I used to be a big fan of Kevin Mitchell, but Frank Buglioni is on form right now.”
Favourite all-time boxer? “Joe Calzaghe.”
Favourite fight? “Gatti v Ward.”
Amateur clubs? “The Fight Club.”
Amateur honours? "I didn't start boxing until I was over 18 so I missed the amateurs and went straight into unlicensed boxing and won the IBA English title and IBA Southern Area title."
Goals in boxing? “I used to want to fight in the Prizefighter tournament, so Ultimate Boxxer next is a dream come true, but the ultimate goal is to be British champion.”
Retirement age? “Depends on where I am at what age, if I am up high past 30-years-old then I’ll keep going.”
Team? “I'm with Goodwin Promotions. My sponsors are MB Surfacing and JA Contracts Landscaping and QSW Sports and RAW."
Boxing style? “Orthodox, stand up tall.”
Ring walk song? “Either Jay-Z – Run This Town or I was gonna have what Kell Brook has: Kanye and Rihanna – All of The Lights.”
Favourite types of gloves? “I like the Ringside gloves.”
Toughest ever opponent? “Mick Keeley, the fight which was the 12-rounder when I won the IBA English title.”
Best venue? “I love Liquid Nightclub in Basildon, but has to be York Hall as a professional.”
Favourite football team? “Man United FC.”
Other sports? “I used to play football and I don’t mind a game of darts.”
Best friends in boxing? “Everyone from the gym; I do miss a lot of my old IBA mates from the gym.”
Favourite holiday destination? “Ibiza.”
Favourite TV programme? “You’re gonna laugh but it was Big Brother!”
Favourite film? “The Business.”
Favourite actor? “Denzel Washington.”
Favourite music? “It’s such a wide range from drum and bass to The Beatles. I love everything, it’s a massive thing for me as I love my music.”
Favourite food? “When I’m allowed it, I love an Indian.”
Favourite gadget? “iPhone.”
Favourite brands? “Lyle and Scott, Ralph Lauren; for training, it’s Nike and Adidas.”
Favourite superhero? “Darrel Church, have you heard of him?!”
Phobias? “Snakes, I’m petrified mate, it’s the only thing I’m afraid of.”
First job you ever had? “Labouring for a roofer on site.”
If you wasn’t a boxer, what would you be? “Involved in football or something in the music industry. Probably more to do with music, I’d say.”
Proudest achievement? “Outside of boxing it’s my little girl, she is everything to me. In boxing then it’s achieving everything that I did in the IBA’s and staying unbeaten.”
Motto? “Do what you wanna do, live life to the full.”
Next fight? “I'm fighting in the Ultimate Boxxer II on November 2 at The Indigo at The O2.”
For tickets to the show contact Team Church on 07938 878 962
Follow ‘Dazzling’ Darrel Church on Twitter @Darrel_Church89
Team Church would like to thank sponsors MB Surfacing and JA Contracts Landscaping and QSW Sports and and RAW