Enfield light-welterweight Chris Evangelou enjoyed an impressive 2011, scoring four victories in the calendar year and improving his record to 9-0 in the process.
The 26-year-old, whose older brother Andreas is also an undefeated pro fighter, has set his sights on a shot at Darren Hamilton’s Southern Area belt as he looked to crack the British Top 10 in 2012.
“I am looking at getting my name into the top 10 as soon as possible,” Evangelou told World Boxing News in an exclusive interview.
“I’ve got my eye on the Southern Area and English titles in the next few months, so the likes of Darren Hamilton, who holds the Southern belt, would make for a good fight and boost my rankings.
“This is, without doubt, the biggest year for me yet, and I will be making headlines later in the year.”
Evangelou’s last outing was in November when he out-pointed Joel Ryan over four rounds, and the Londoner will now look to take the next step to six rounds as he hopes to end up at the ten-round distance in the next nine months.
1. How did you first get into Boxing, Chris?
When I was 17, I argued my college, and although it wasn’t physical, I wished I had had more confidence.
That prompted me to go to Harringay Boxing club to learn some new skills. From there I fell in love with the sport and the rest is history.
2. What was your amateur record?
Forty fights; 35 wins.
3. Who influenced you as a young boxer?
Mike Tyson and Oscar De la Hoya.
4. Toughest opponent you have faced?
Arek Malek in Glasgow. He was a very durable opponent and kept coming at me.
5. Who would you want to fight in the future?
Amir Khan.
6. Favourite all-time fight?
Holyfield Vs. Tyson- First fight.
7. Best fight you have seen live?
Audley Harrison Vs. Sprott
8. What is your target for 2012?
Stay undefeated. Go for my first title. Start to become a household name and put on a good show for my fans.
9. What’s your motivation?
My family is my main motivation. Being successful for them and making them proud keeps me going. I’m a determined man, and once I set my sights on a goal, I live and breathe it until I get it. I’ve set my sights on becoming a world champion, so watch this space.
10. What would you change in Boxing?
I think a loss shouldn’t define a fighter’s entire reputation. As fighters, they are what they learn from, make them stronger, so people shouldn’t write them off for that. Amir Khan is a good example of that.
11. Mayweather or Pacquiao?
Mayweather has a brilliant defense. It’s a close one, though. (Mayweather leads 7-1 in the series)
12. And finally… tell us something we don’t know about Chris Evangelou.
My first passion was acting, and I hope to have the time to revive that at some point in the future.
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