Q&A With Conrad Cummings

Q&A With Conrad Cummings

By David Boyle: Northern Ireland’s WBO European Middleweight champion Conrad Cummings recently conducted a Q and A with SecondsOut.com.

Question:

Conrad you have not fought since your KO victory over Gogi Knezevic when you won the WBO European title, is there a fight being lined up at the minute. (any mandatories etc.)?

Answer:

I was due to defend my WBO European against Pole Robert Swierzbinski back in July, there was still talk of having that fight next, however Billy Joe Saunders seem to want to dance, I would love that fight and if not that fight, a fight that would take me closer to that World strap, I’ll see what the best move is.

Question:

Moving from the amateur side of the sport in 2014 to the professionals, how did you find the transition and what was the hardest part of it?

Answer:

I found the transition not too bad as I had five fights in the WSB, (which are basically pro contests). Being away for long period of times in London at camp, I found it difficult at the start.

Question:

Is there a long term plan in place and who or what are you targeting over the next two years?

Answer:

Over the next two years I would like to have won a World title

Question:

You are close pals with Carl Frampton, how was it working side by side and with someone who has reached the top of the sport?

Answer: It was great as he made me believe I can too, he is a genuine, helpful, normal guy. He has reached the top and let none of it go to his head. All young fighters out there should be looking at that guy as a role model.

Question:

If there was one thing you can take from watching Carl’s ascent to the world championship and bring it into your own game what you that be?

Answer:

Use my feet more, he uses his feet to get in and out of distance exceptionally well.

Question:

Training out of London what is the one thing that you take into camp from home that is a must?

Answer:

The one thing I took from home is my wallet, because wow London is expensive!

Question:

Irelands’ best Olympic Sport is boxing and we see that the whole isle supports the boxers when the Olympics come around. What do you think we can do more to support or Professional boxers as I personally feel there isn’t enough help from TV companies etc to allow them to become household names?

Answer:

To become a ’star’ you need to be on TV. Olympians become stars overnight winning them medals on TV. I don’t think fighters get enough air time.