At the age of 26, Sam Maxwell is one of the more experienced boxers in the Team GB squad for the 2015 European Games in Baku.
The Liverpool-born fighter won a bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and also impressed in the World Series of Boxing, recording four victories from his seven fights.
With the inaugural European Games just around the corner, Sports Mole caught up with the light welterweight to preview the competition.
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How are you feeling in the Team GB kit? Pleased with the gear?
"I was working it for the camera you know, the camera loves me so!"
With the Games fast approaching, how have your preparations gone?
"The whole year has gone quick to be fair. I had seven fights in the World Series of Boxing and I am feeling good. It is just about getting my sharpness back for the three three-minute rounds. I am boxing on Saturday [in France] so hopefully that will allow me to get some sharpness back."
Talking of the WSB, you must be pleased with your overall performance?
"I had all seven fights. It was a tough tournament for me, but I got so much experience from it and I did enjoy it. I boxed some of the best boxers in the world and I beat a few of them so I will definitely take a lot of confidence from that."
Is there anything new you have been working on in the gym since the Commonwealth Games?
"We always work on things on training. If you are not progressing then you are going to fall behind so. In my own head I have been working on being a bit more relaxed, not trying to force things. Sometimes when it isn't going my own way, I tend to force it to try and push the issue.
"I think you are going to see a different side to me where I am a bit more relaxed. I am looking forward to showing what I've got."
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As one of the more experienced boxers in the squad, how do you rate some of the newer squad members?
"There are a lot of lads who are new on the squad and it is their first major tournament, but I see them every day in training and they would not be here if they were not incredibly talented.
"I have watched them all box and they have been absolutely brilliant and gone from strength to strength. They have got confidence in themselves to do well and so do we."
What about going out to Azerbaijan? Have you been before?
"I have never been before! I have seen how much money they have spent on it and they are making a huge deal out of it. It looks like it is going to be amazing. It looks like the weather is going to be nice as well so I cannot knock it!"
Finally Sam, what happens between now and Baku?
"Firstly I am going to France and boxing on Saturday, then straight to Germany for a nice camp out there. There is no rest for the wicked! I definitely wanted this fight on Saturday to get my three, three-minute rounds in before Baku because it is a completely different pace.
"I like the five three-minute rounds because you can take your time and build on your performance, but I do like the three threes, it is quick and sharp."
Matt Law
