Carwyn Herbert [0-0-0]

Having achieved all that he set out to on the unlicensed/semi-pro circuit, Carwyn Herbert will soon start his career as a professional boxer when he makes his debut on December 5th. He will be boxing on "A New Era", a show promoted by Damian Hucker that features a stacked card at Rushcliffe Leisure Center, Nottingham. Carwyn recently took the time to discuss with BoxingQnA his background, influences and aspirations.

How did you get into boxing?

I used to watch a lot of martial arts movies featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme or Steven Segal, so that triggered my enthusiasm for fighting. In the early noughties when I was still in my teens, I initially wanted to get into karate, but then I was swayed by boxing. ITV was starting to show some boxing and I was avidly following the career of Joe Calzaghe at the time, as well as Bradley Pryce, Enzo Maccarinelli and Michael Jennings, all Frank Warren fighters at the time. After watching Calzaghe's performance against Jeff Lacy, I wanted to get into boxing as soon as possible. I was 18 stone, so I wanted to lose weight and did so thanks to running, weight training and dieting.

After the weight loss, as soon as I got my driver's license, I started boxing. After my first session I was sore for a week and could hardly move. I went back a week later and did some sparring with a 13 year old, Welsh champion at the time, who beat the hell out of me, but I was truly hooked from that point and kept going.

What is your boxing background to date?

I've had 38 fights. 27 wins, 9 losses and 2 draws. I've won some novice Welsh and Midlands regional titles as an amateur, while I have also won an array of unlicensed titles, including British, English and Masters.

What made you want to switch over from the unlicensed scene to professional boxing?

I pursued unlicensed boxing in the hope of building up a following, which I managed to do over time. I've now achieved everything that I wanted to on the unlicensed scene, so the time feels right to step up and turn professional.

Obviously unlicensed fights have 2 minute rounds. Aside from that, what do you feel are going to be some of the key differences between unlicensed and the pro boxing game?

I will have to sit down on my punches a little bit more and I am going to have to pace myself differently rather than going at a very high pace from bell to bell. I also know that I am going to encounter a lot more diversity in terms of styles. For example, early on I know that I'm going to be up against some journeyman who will be looking to survive, so they will be hard to look against. Overall, I don't think professional boxing is going to be too much of a change for me. Most who turn pro think they have a pro style anyway and I'm no different.

For those who haven't seen you in action yet, how would you describe the way you box?

I'm more of a boxer-fighter. I punch hard enough to earn respect from my opponent and I land shots to the body quite well, while I can also be elusive when I need to be. I'd say I'm quite adaptable.

You have your pro debut coming up in December. Where and when are you boxing, who are you fighting and how is training going?

I am fighting a guy called Will Cairns, who is also making his debut, on the 5th of December at Rushcliffe Leisure Centre in West Bridgford, Nottingham. Training has been going well, although unfortunately the person that I wanted to be in the corner with me isn't going to be able to be there due to a loss in his family, so he's currently occupied with that and understandably so. It's not ideal with my debut around the corner, but I will overcome that on the night and just get on with it.

Do you know much about your opponent aside from him also being a fellow debutant?

Will Cairns has had a lot of fights and I know he has won 7 fights in a row leading up to his debut, so he will definitely be coming to win. I know a little bit about his style, he's a bit of a counter-puncher, although he does like to go to war as well.

Any goals in mind at this point that you want to try and achieve within x amount of time, or are you just looking to take it one fight at a time?

At the minute, I just want to take it one fight at a time and to learn my craft as a pro. If things do progress as I hope, then I hope to be contesting titles in time. I want as many belts as possible because they look amazing on the mantelpiece and they are with you for life. I don't care if it's a World title, Masters title, Midlands title, or WBO European title. They all look nice. Having said that, if I end up being able to pay off the house mortgage through boxing, I'd be happy enough with that.

Who are some of your biggest boxing influences or inspirations and why?

Being Welsh, definitely Joe Calzaghe. Carl Froch, because I'm in Nottingham. One of my coaches, Jawaid Khaliq, who trained me as an amateur. is definitely a big influence due to how well he did and how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. Also, George and Canelo are big influences because prior to them I had not seen any other ginger boxers when growing up! Being ginger, it's nice to see other gingers doing well.

What are some of your interests outside of boxing?

I go to the cinema when I can. I watch a bit of football and also some wrestling, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure. I used to do a lot of reading, although not so much anymore. I try to socialise a little bit once in a while, but boxing really does take up so much of my time. When I'm not training or working my full-time job, I'm at the gym, doing my runs, or delivering tickets.

Message to your supporters?

Thank you so much for supporting me. There are some who have already been supporting me for a long time and I am very grateful. I wear a V for Vendetta mask when on the way to the ring and my supporters wear them as well. It looks good and it's fun, so come and be a part of that.

Final words?

I would definitely like to thank Jawaid Khaliq, who helped me progress a lot. Steve Glover was the first amateur coach who really paved the way for me. Thank you to Fidel Castro Smith, who trained me for my semi-pro fights and will also be training me now in the professional ranks. Damian Hucker, who is promoting the show where I am making my debut, and is also my manager. My girlfriend, Chelsea Reeves, for cooking my food.

A shout-out to Nottingham Maintenance Ltd, my sponsor, as displayed on my robe and shorts. I am looking to get more sponsors, so contact me on 07973753521 if you are interested. I will be getting plenty of exposure, including in newspapers.

My mission statement: I am representing a generation of gingers who have been ginger before Ed Sheeran came along and made it cool.