Q&A with Former Olympian Fred Evans

Welshman Fred Evans (3-0) had a glittering amateur career, he won gold for Wales at the 2011 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Ankara. He followed that up by representing Team GB, at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won the silver medal at welterweight. He had a few years away from boxing but in 2017 turned professional.

The 27-year-old southpaw campaigns at middleweight and has won his first three contests. I caught up with him at St. Joseph’s Gym, Newport, Wales. The home of IBF World featherweight champion Lee Selby.

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How did you first get into boxing?

I was in the gym from the age of four. My dad took me along and I carried it through ever since.

I won the European cadets, European seniors. Won multiple international tournaments. My record was way over a hundred fights. I didn’t lose many as an amateur, maybe six to eight fights.

You won a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics. Why the big gap before turning professional?

I had some stuff going on, away from the boxing. It put a delay on until I got my pro career going.

Did you have plans to go to the next Olympics?

No, not really. It had been a dream to go to the Olympics and get a medal, which I achieved. Next goal, is to be a World champion as a pro.

You made your debut in 2017 and had three fights. How do you feel it went?

Pretty good. My first fight was a six-rounder, I’ve always had tough opponents because I want to fast-track and fight for a title as soon as possible.

When is your next fight?

14th of April at the Cardiff Ice Arena.

How can people get hold of tickets for ‘Fire & Ice’?

Add me on Facebook. Come into the St. Joseph’s Gym (Newport, Wales) and I can arrange to sort tickets for them.

Do you know the opponent?

Not yet. Hopefully, they will name him shortly. It’ll be six or eight rounds.

How many times would you like to box in 2018?

As many as possible. If I could fight every week, I’d fight every week.

You’re trained by Tony Borg. Who’re your manager & promoter?

Chris Sanigar is my manager. Sanigar Promotions are my promoter.

Is the Welsh title in your plans?

Sanigar have asked for it a few times. But, they’ve been turned down. If that means I have to skip the Welsh title and go up for the next one, then so be it.

You reached the top in the amateur ranks. Is winning a World title, as a professional, the aim?

Definitely, it’s always been my goal to bring back another World title to Cardiff.

Prediction for Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker?

Definitely Joshua. Be a good fight and bigger test for him.

Prediction for the Canelo vs Golovkin rematch?

Probably Canelo. I’ll pick him.

Closing message?

Thanks to trainer Tony Borg and everyone in the gym. My family. My little brother Cruz, he’s always with me every day, waking me up and making sure I’m in the gym. He’s only twelve. Thanks to my sponsors Hawkes Essentials and Farmbank Towing Centre.