Miles Shinkwin [11-0-0]

With the rescheduling of his English title fight with Travis Dickinson hopefully being imminent, Miles Shinkwin could yet end the year on a tremendous high that would pave the way for him to be able to hit the ground running in 2016. Miles took the time to discuss with BoxingQnA his progress to date, as well as his title aspirations.

Upon hearing that he no longer had an opponent, you recently offered to step in and fight Jack Morris at just 6 days notice? Also, the day before that happened you announced that you had a fight for this coming Friday which obviously fell through for some reason or other. And before that you were originally supposed to be fighting Travis Dickinson, who pulled out! What's happening?

I was originally supposed to challenge Travis for his English title but he pulled out a little while back injured. My team tried everything to get me another title fight, but for one reason or another nothing came off. I was then scheduled to fight in a 10 rounder, but then heard Morris v Baker had fallen through. I heard Morris had been bad mouthing me, so I offered to step in. His team wasn't as willing as me and they turned it down.

Of course, managers, promoters and even a lot of fighters are ever mindful of risk vs reward when weighing up options and avenues. Given that you're a fighter who obviously believes in yourself and just wants to crack on and prove yourself, can it be frustrating having to sit and wait for the opportunities to come along?

I literally just concentrate on the fighting, training and getting myself into the best possible shape. I believe I have one of the best coaches in the country in Jason Rowland, my S&C coach Joe Reemer I believe is second to none in his field as well, so I know that whatever happens I'm ready to go. Then my manager, Richard Clark, and promoter, Frank Warren, do the rest. It's no ones fault sometimes when fights don't happen. Obviously I'd love to be challenging for English, British, Commonwealth titles next week if I could, but I know I have the right team around me to deliver the right fights at the right time. Sometimes the waiting game pays off in the long run.

How would you assess the light heavyweight division, both domestically and beyond?

Domestically it's wide open. Behind Cleverly you have a group of around 5 or 6 fighters who will all claim they are the best, so only time will tell, but it requires people to take the fights when offered. Beyond domestic, the bigger fights are dominated by Eastern European fighters, the Germans and so on. On the world scene you can't look past Kovalev, I think he's streets ahead of everyone.

Having now been a professional for three years, are you content with your career progress to date, assuming the English title fight with Dickinson gets rescheduled, or did you perhaps hope to already be a little bit further along by this point?

The way I see it, I'm still unbeaten, like I already said, I have what I believe to be the best team possible around me and I'm around number 5 in the country. I can't complain. Ask me the same question next year and if I'm not at least the owner of a British title, I'll feel like something has gone wrong.

In terms of your boxing fundamentals and the three year timeline, are you and Jason Rowland both happy with how you have been developing and your abilities at this point?

I've been a little inactive the past 18 months in the ring, but in the gym I've been doing some of my best work. I've been involved in 2 world champions training camps and feel like I have improved tenfold. I think if you asked Jason right now he'd be very pleased with how things are going.

Out of the fights you've had so far as a pro, do any of them stand out as one that you had to make the most adjustments in as the fight progressed? Perhaps the McIntyre fight?

The Mcintrye fight was only made difficult with the fact I broke a rib in the second round and found it very hard to breathe. This stopped the fight panning out as I had expected. I also got cut and it was my first 10 rounder, so everything that night was new. It was the only fight I've really had where I had to get into second gear. A rematch will happen at some point when Joel proves himself and I'll show what I can really do to fighters of his level.

As an up-and-coming fighter, just how beneficial has it been getting to spar with the likes of George Groves and Nathan Cleverly?

I've known George a very long time, we used to room together as England team mates. Rounds with him are priceless, the improvements I can feel each time we spar are huge. I only got to spar Cleverly once and I still can't get over how he manages light heavy. That sparring made me realise what level I need to be at if I want to challenge for world honours.

Presumably you are still looking to fight before the end of the year? Also, in addition to that, what's the plan for 2016 if thing fall into place?

Yes, hopefully I can get the Dickinson fight rescheduled for early December. It's a fight I really want and have nagged my manager to get me for a while. It's going to be a cracker if it happens. As for 2016, I just want to progress and get my hands on that Lonsdale belt.

What in all do you love about boxing?

I just love competing. I love putting myself in positions where you have to not only outthink someone but eventually outfight them. End of the day he has two arms and two legs and the best mans going to win. I want to prove I'm the best.

I know you're a keen golfer, but what other interests do you have outside of boxing?

I love my golf. I now have a 7 month old daughter, Neave, so any time I'm not training now I'm with her. Me and my wife Kelly try and do as much with her as we can.

A message to your fans?

I can only say thank you for your continued support. It's been slow but we will get there and big big nights are just around the corner.

Any final words?

Huge thank you to my sponsors, Holywell Skips, Shannon Rail, The Shire London, Croxley Tyres, Dave Hill at Rinhside and BoxFit UK. For allowing me the opportunity to be a full time pro and pursue my dreams.

I'm not one to name call. I never have been and I never will be, but I'm ready to fight for titles. If you have a title I want, then I'm coming for you.