Matty Askin talks to Gary Smith about his upcoming English Cruiserweight Title fight

Written by Gary Smith (Boxtacular) – We already have one current British champion from Blackpool at the moment in Brian Rose at light middleweight and who would bet against a second one by the end of the year in the shape of 23 year old cruiserweight, Matty Askin.

Askin, currently 13-0 with 11 KO’s fights Jon-Lewis Dickinson for the vacant English title on April 21 at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool in what should be a belter and hopefully will then take on the winner of the British title clash between Shane McPhilbin and Enzo Maccarinelli on March 23.

You’ve got a potential firecracker against Jon-Lewis Dickinson on 21 April at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool. How do you see that playing out?
I see the fight with Dickinson being really entertaining and also a battle of skills but I see myself coming out on top of what is a great fight for both of us at this stage of our careers.

Shane McPhilbin said in an interview on this site that he would like to fight the winner if he beats Enzo Maccrinelli on 23 March. Do you think he will win?
I think McPhilbin has got a really tough test against Enzo but he’s already pulled off one shock win against Leon Williams. Maybe he can do it again but like I said, Enzo is very good technically and powerful so we’ll see.

You are regarded as one of Britain’s top prospects but the cruiserweight division isn’t very high profile in the UK. Would you consider moving up to heavyweight or fighting in Germany where they pay the cruiserweights big money?
I would love to go out to Germany and box and I think that’s where I’d show my true ability by fighting those guys over there. Heavyweight is definitely something that will be considered but at the minute cruiserweight is here for me to take over.

Apart from yourself who do you rate as the best British cruiserweights?
Enzo, Dickinson, Tony Conquest and Mitchell Balker are the best British cruiserweights around at the minute.

And the best at world level?The best at world level is difficult because they have all been beaten but I think Denis Lebedev is very good.

Do you have a boxing nickname and if so, how did it come about?
I’m called ‘the assassin’. I think it came about because it rhymes with Askin.

What was your amateur record and did you fight anyone who is now a big name in the pro’s?
I had 24 fights and won 21 as an amateur and won the senior novice championship and the 2008 ABA championship. I didn’t fight anyone who is a big name now.

There are some good fighters from Blackpool at the moment like you and Brian Rose. Do fights in Blackpool get big gates?
I’ve had a couple of fights in Blackpool and they’ve been sell out shows and I know Brian has a good following, so it would be good if we could get a big show and put me and Brian on it.

Which music track do you make your ring entrance to?
My entrance music song is ‘Glad All Over’ which Blackpool use at their football matches.

What made you decide to take up boxing?
I’ve always enjoyed boxing and loved the training but I never really stuck at it until I was 16 so I’ve only had a fairly short career at the minute.

How would you describe your fighting style? Are you more of a boxer or a puncher?
I would describe myself as a boxer but people are saying I’m a puncher because of my stoppages. It’s not that I punch hard, I hit fast and accurately. Yes, I’d say I’m a boxer.

Who is a) the best boxer and b) the hardest puncher you have faced at pro or amateur level?
The best opponent I’ve faced so far would be Neil Dawson. He was a lot taller than me and very rangy and that is something I’d never had to deal with before. I just couldn’t put my head around it. If I’m honest about punch wise I’ve never been hit where I’ve thought “crap that hurt” but I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.

Who are your boxing heroes?
My boxing heroes are Rocky Marciano just because of his sheer determination and Hearns because of his ferociousness and his skill.

Where would you most like to headline a fight?
I think every boxer’s dream is to headline a fight in Las Vegas where all the big names and fights have been over the years.

Out of the current prospects in British Boxing, apart from yourself who do you predict can go on and become a world champion?
I think Scott Quigg has the ability and the heart to do very well at world level and Anthony Crolla is looking very impressive lately.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career and in what way?
I would have to say my grandad, Tegger Halpin. He’s been there and done it and always gives me great advice. He lost a close decision to Ken Buchanan so I guess I look up to and take in what he says.

Give me 3 words to describe your personality?
Fun, weird and laid-back.

Who are your closest friends in boxing?
My trainer, Bob Shannon, Mike Jackson, Mike Jennings and Thomas McDonagh.

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2012?
I hope by Christmas time I’m sat with the English belt and British belt with the family and nudging closer to the European title.

Finally, do you have a message for your supporters?
I would like to say a massive thank you to all those that support me and give me great feedback after the fights and to all those that buy tickets and always make a racket at the shows. It’s much appreciated

Tags: British Cruisweight Title Eliminator, Gary Smith, Matty Askin