Pocket Rocket’s ambition to be world champ began at 16
In the first of an occasional series of interviews, Children’s Express reporters talk to some of Northern Ireland’s famous faces from a variety of disciplines, about growing up and what motivated them to get where they are. We start with boxer Wayne McCullough.
| I enjoyed the one-on-one in boxing – if the other guy’s trying to hit you, you can hit him back. |
Wayne McCullough wasn’t a bad footballer when he was younger - but he realised something one day that changed the course of his life.
“When I was about 16 was probably the turning point. I knew then that I could be a professional world champion some day. From then onwards I realised that I really wanted to be a boxer.”
His initial interest in football soon evaporated.
“Some people get greedy with the ball. I enjoyed the one-on-one in boxing where you’re in control and you can do whatever you want. If the other guy’s trying to hit you, you can hit him back.”
Wayne was born in 1970 in a street off the Shankill Road. In his early youth, boxing was an activity that got him off the Belfast streets for a few hours. He attributes much of his ‘toughness’ to this childhood environment.
“When you come from Belfast you grow up tough. You’re tough already, so that’s why I’ve been good at my boxing because I’m already tough and durable.”
You don’t have to look too hard to find trouble in Belfast, or any big city, if you’re a young person. When there is a lack of available options, crime can ruin young lives.
Wayne’s antidote to getting into trouble was training. The practice punches he has thrown reach into millions. Nearly twenty years later, training remains his daily routine.
“As soon as I wake up I go out running. I do about four or five miles and then just get refreshed. Then in the afternoon I go to the gym for about two or three hours.”
Every true champion has had a role model to motivate them - and Wayne’s has always been another famous Irish boxer – Barry McGuigan.
“I always looked up to the way he fought and tried to work hard to be like him and be the champion.”
“He’s my hero. But I think our best fighter we ever had is Steve Collins. He’s two-time world champion. He’s the only Irish guy to hold two world championship belts and deserves all the credit for that.”
Who would he love to fight more, Collins or McGuigan? Surprisingly it is neither of them.
“Well, I’ve always wanted to be a heavyweight, I really have. I’ve wanted to be a heavyweight, and fight the likes of Mike Tyson, guys like that. But I’m 5’7” so I’m a wee bit small.”
Back in reality, Highfield Community centre on the Shankill estate where Wayne grew up is still standing.
It’s a far cry from where he now spends his days. Las Vegas is the Pocket Rocket’s home and although he loves it there, his favourite place to fight is his home town.
“Favourite place in the world? Of course it’s Belfast. I love to fight in Belfast, I fought for my British licence to get a fight in Belfast and I’m finally here to do it.”
Do it he did. After a seven year absence from a Belfast ring, he came back relentlessly pounding Russian Nikolai Emeerev into submission
His boyhood prediction has come true and is still coming true.
About the team
Wayne McCullough was interviewed by Andrew Mullan 13, Connor Scullion 16, Paul McAteer 17, and Cathal Hannan 13. This article was published in the Belfast Telegraph.
