The BoxRec summer interviews - Curtis Woodhouse

In the second of our series of interviews with pro boxers who post on the British BoxRec forum, East Yorkshire's light-welterweight contender Curtis Woodhouse falls under the spotlight.

Woodhouse gave up the comparatively easy and lucrative life as a professional footballer to trade punches.  As a result, many dismissed his early efforts as a vanity project but being one who has watched him from his debut, there was little doubt in my mind that, at the very least, he enjoyed scrapping and wasn't doing it as some bizarre ego-massaging campaign.

His most recent fight caused a little change in how he is perceived by the hardcore fans - Woodhouse earned a lot of respect by stopping seasoned Stefy Bull in the ninth round of a give and take contest earlier this month.  Unfortunately, he suffered a hand injury ruling him out of a September match with former World Amateur champion (and fellow BoxRec poster), Frankie Gavin, with whom Woodhouse admits he doesn't 'see eye to eye'.

What has been the highlight of your career this season?

Beating Jay Morris in the rematch for my first title.  I celebrated like I'd just unified the division!

Any low points?

Losing to Jay Morris in Belfast I was sat on the plane on my way home contemplating my future.  It was a long flight.

What do you realistically aim to achieve in the next year?

Major domestic title.  British or Commonwealth.  Either of them would be great.  I would prefer the British but beggars cant be choosers!

Who would you most like to fight next season and why?

Frankie Gavin - we don't see eye to eye!

Is there anything you plan to focus on in training after the summer?

Technique is what me and Dave (Coldwell, trainer) do a lot of work on.  With having no amateur background I've had to start from scratch so it's been frustrating at times but I think it's starting to come together now so more of the same for the new season.

Who do you view (other than yourself!) as the best British boxer in your division?

Lenny Daws.  He's the British champion so, in my opinion, he's the man to beat.

Outside of your division, name one current British boxer you hold in high regard and explain why you rate them.

'Old Spice' Ryan Rhodes! He's had a great career so far and I think he will top it off with a world title.  But that's not the main reason.  The main reason for me is what he's come back from.  I was always told not to judge people when everything's going well for them but to judge them when the shit hits the fan.  The the real person comes out.  Well, the shit hit the fan a few times in Ryan's career and he has come out on top.

What rule change(s), if any, would you like the BBBofC to introduce?

Three judges for all fights is a must in my opinion.  The ref has a tough job to ref the fight and decide a winner.  It would take a lot of pressure off him and would lead to better decisions all round.

Are you a fan of Prizefighter or not?  Either way, how would you improve it? 

If you get the right fighters in there, it's awesome.  If not, it's shit.  I wouldn't change any of the format, I'd just make sure you get the right fighters in there.  The last one was the best in my opinion; I thought Josh Wale should have won it.

Why do you post on the BoxRec forum?

It's for boxing fans - that's what I am.

If you could name one BoxRec poster you would like to share a ring with, who would it be and why?

steelcity65 - he talks bollocks!