Elite Boxing Quick-Fire Q&A #004: Alex Dilmaghani

Elite Boxing's Quick-Fire Q&A looks into the lives of people closely associated with the gym, including fighters, coaches and members, and gives a revealing personal insight into how they're involved in boxing.

Next up, experienced world title contender Alex Dilmaghani, explains his own connections with boxing and his personal favourite aspects of the sport.

The former super-featherweight world title challenger, who has also contested for European honours, is a proper boxing historian who boasts a wealth of knowledge within the sport while also balancing his own top level professional career.

Dilmaghani was involved in one of the great all-action fights of recent years against Samir Ziani in 2020, and is coming off another incredible match-up with world title contender Eduardo Baez.

Now based in Manchester under the guidance of former world champion Anthony Crolla, the aggressive southpaw star also has a great training background back in Mexico under the legendary Ignacio Beristain, and is a regular visitor to Elite Boxing Gym for sparring.

Dilmaghani has enjoyed fights globally across his impressive career so far, including the UK, Mexico, Canada, Denmark, France and, most recently, Pakistan.

Here, he gives his own insights in the latest Elite Boxing Quick-Fire Q&A.

When did you first start boxing?

I was 15 (I only took it seriously at 24).

What’s your favourite part of training when you’ve done work at Elite?

Seeing all the great, friendly people there.

What’s your least favourite part of training?

Running.

Favourite fighter(s) ever and why:

Dwight Muhammad Qawi - for his style. Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, Arturo Gatti, Erik Morales and Diego Corrales for their heart. But also old school legends like Archie Moore and Jersey Joe Walcott for their persistence.

Favourite fight(s) ever and why:

There are so many, really. But Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward I obviously. Diego Corrales vs Jose Luis Castillo. The Evander Holyfield vs Riddick Bowe fights were great. George Foreman vs Ron Lyle is another. Chiquita Gonzalez vs Saman Sorjaturong. There are just so many I could go into!

Your dream opponent from boxing history: 

A bum YouTuber. Least risk and most reward (£).

Favourite personal moment in boxing so far:

I have quite a few, but probably the time I spent with Nacho stands out.

Pet peeve in the gym:

Lack of manners.

One piece of advice you would give to young, upcoming boxers:

Train hard and keep a close circle.