Boxing clever

Ramsgate-based Paul has been a postman for 12 years and a boxer for 10. He says the flexible hours and supportive team make it possible to mix the two in the perfect combination.

‘I’ve got fantastic managers who are very supportive of my boxing, and my colleagues have helped cover my deliveries when I’ve had to take time off,’ said Paul. ‘Starting early and finishing at 3pm means I can go to the gym regularly, which is great.’

Nicknamed ‘Bomber’ because he knocked out his opponents in his second, third and fourth amateur fights, Paul is dedicated to his art.

He trains six times a week and, having turned professional 18 months ago, regularly spars with big names such as Chris Eubank Jr and Frank Buglione.

A southpaw light heavyweight, Paul has an enviable professional record of three wins and no defeats. He has just started training for his next fight, which takes place next month.

‘It will be my first six-round fight and hopefully I’ll be pushing towards a title fight towards the end of the year,’ he said.

As a young man, Paul says he was aggressive, but found boxing has given him a focus and a positive outlet. ‘Boxing has calmed me down,’ he added. ‘I can go to the gym and let off steam.’

And what about boxing heroes? ‘Carl Froch, "The Cobra", said Paul. ‘I loved everything about him, he was just a fantastic fighter. He’d always give 110%, no matter what.’

Bomber is also a fan of the Rocky films, but it’s tough deciding which takes the title. ‘They’re all fantastic,’ he said, ‘but it’s got to be the Russian one, Rocky IV. That’s a great movie.’