THE W
L INTERVIEW
on set with these stars is amazing. Anyone that truly knows me, will
know how much of a geek I am when it comes to my movies, so although
I always remain professional on set, deep inside I’m dancing around like
a small child at Christmas!
In your first film for 2017, you play a cannibal in the horror comedy
‘Cannibals and Carpet Fitters’, that must have been a laugh?
Yes this was a fantastic opportunity to make something different from
my normal roles. The script is fantastic and the movie we made was
brilliant, being well received at film festivals all over the world. So when
the chance comes along to play “William” I couldn’t say NO. Everyone
I speak to is excited to see the movie and I can’t believe the physical
transformation that I made for the role.
It has been reported that you used to train three times a day – do
you still train so hard or has your training schedule and the type of
training that you do now changed?
Recently I have been training as hard as I ever have, as I made the
decision to come out of retirement and go for another World Title.
Something I achieved 4 weeks ago, making me now a 6 x World
Kickboxing Champion, something I am extremely proud of being close
to 41 years young! My training regime starts at 4am daily and I generally
train up to 4/5 hours a day.
Even though you’re titled ‘The Punisher’, you are famously regarded
as an all round nice guy, has becoming a father softened you a little?
Yes definitely. My little boy has me wrapped around his little finger.
I didn’t really know what to expect before becoming a father, but its
nothing short of amazing. You start to look at life a little differently,
acting a little more responsibly than I had would have done previously.
You have recently opened a new Black Dragon Academy to inspire
youngsters, what was your reason for doing this?
My main reason is our children. I think its important to give children
the best start in life. Martial Arts prepares you for a lot of what life
throws at you. I thought why not get back to teaching full time and
specialising in the teaching of children. I think it’s important to teach
about discipline and respect especially in today’s society. If I can have a
positive influence on a select group of children then hopefully they will
have a positive influence on the people around them. Generally making
better individuals for society. It’s also important for children to have an
active lifestyle, I think too many children nowadays are too happy to sit
behind a games console.
You were born on the Wirral and still live here, were you ever tempted
to move away? If so, where would you have moved to?
Yes, there was a time I was tempted to move to London to be closer
to the industry. But I’m only a 2 hour train journey from everything
anyway and I love the Wirral and it’s surroundings. I think sometimes,
we don’t really appreciate how beautiful it is, because we live here.
When you’re not filming and training how do you like to relax?
I lo ve spending time with my family, days out and generally seeing the
kids grow up. I think these things are important and really make you
appreciate what life is all about.
Where do you eat out?
Rachel and I love to eat out and one of our favourite places is Fazenda in
Liverpool. The food there is fantastic, especially their belly pork! If you
haven’t tried it, you need to.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Well this is a tricky one, but I love watching Rom-coms... just don’t tell
anyone!
Also, I would just like to say a big thank you to my sponsors CA Burke
Construction and also Gravity Health & Fitness, Upton. They are a
constant help and support, which is deeply appreciated.
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