When and where did you start boxing?

I first set foot in a boxing gym when I was 8 years old in Manchester but I had a little bit of an unsettled upbringing shall we say, ha. I moved around the country quite alot as a kid and trained on & off at many gyms. In cities from Manchester, Leicester, to Edinburgh. But I couldn’t commit due to moving so much to so many different places. I think the longest stint I had off training was 6 months. It was more something to do that I enjoyed rather than trying to become a boxer as such.

What or who inspired you to box?

My Grandad boxed where he’s from in Jamaica, so my dad, in turn loved the sport. I didn’t have a lot of contact with my dad, but when I did see him one of the main things we would bond over would be talking about and watching boxing.

You recently turned professional, what made you make this move?

I have been settled in Norwich for a long time now, its my home and have really been able to knuckle down and focus on training at The Kickstop Gym in Norwich. I improved so much under the great coaching staff at the gym, rubbed shoulders and trained with some of the best professionals in the country and because of this I was finally good enough to be able to realise a life long dream of becoming a professional boxer. I am very much still a novice though and still learning and improving every day. But I love every second of it!

Where did the nick name ‘Z Man’ come from?

It’s easier to say than my full name Zaiphan, easier to be shouted at and told to buck my ideas up when I’m in training too, lol!

You have a bout coming up soon, where and when is it?

Yea, it’s in Norwich at St Andrews Hall on May 30th, Tickets are available now direct from me 07901 652002, trust me it’s unbelievable value for money! 

What other interests do you have?

I like football I’m an avid Manchester United fan but we won’t talk about that because we ‘re not winning alot at the moment ha. I also love spending time with my fiancee Danielle and our amazing kids Tilly who’s 4 and Louis who’s 3 months old. They’re the best thing in the world and honestly make every day worth it, I’d be lost with out them.

What has been your most memorable moment in your boxing career so far?

Getting my professional License and winning my debut fight with a very good performance in front of the best support a man could ask for. To have my debut in my home city in front of so many friends was unbelievable, the noise they made I will never forget. Very proud moment I’m glad I could share that with so many of them. So grateful. Also being patted on the back by the Coaching Staff who I respect and look up to so much, meant alot to me.

Who are your sponsors and how do they help you?

I’m very fortunate to have great sponsors . 

The Surrey Tavern 

Alter Ego Hair & Beauty 

Fallen Angels Gentleman’s Club 

Bobby Dazzlers Cleaning Ltd 

Ultimate Fight Outlet 

D.S Watson 

They help in lots of different ways whether it be with the training kit I need, financial help to get new kit, to go on training camps or my yearly medicals, advertising my fights, or the most important help I need which is supporting me and turning up and getting behind me on fight night, loud & proud!. I can’t thank them all enough for all they’ve done and do for me.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes. 2014 has been the best year of my life and am looking to absolutely better it in 2015. Being part of the Kickstop Gym, as long as I keep listening, learning, pushing and performing, I can achieve something in the sport I really believe that. I’ve got the best support there is and I need and hope they keep coming and I can build more support, because with out them I’d be nothing as a fighter and that is 100% the truth! #LetsBeSpecial 

And finally ‘good luck’ for your forthcoming bout from the team at Iceni Magazine! 

Thanks so much really appreciate that. Onwards Upwards Always! Real nice to talk to you. Take care & hopefully speak again sometime soon. Ps. I hope you’re coming to check the show out too.

Zaiphan’s next fight is in Norwich at St Andrews Hall on May 30th

Follow Zaiphan on twitter:  @MrMagicMo23