Age: 27
Instagram: tompogson_
Nationality: English
From: Boston
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 6ft 3 inches
Record: 5-0 (1)
Next fight: None currently scheduled
When and why did you start boxing?
I was mischievous as a kid—nothing major, but I was full of energy. So my uncle took me down to the local gym, where they were training, and it started from there. I kept going back, and a few months later, I was getting ready for my first bout.
Favourite all-time fighter?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite fighter of all time. I watch a lot of boxing and like a lot of different fighters. Not just to be biased, but I would have to say Callum Johnson because I’ve seen firsthand how good and technically gifted he is.
Best fight you’ve seen?
Fight-wise, standing and having a shootout would have to be Callum vs Beterbiev for the world title. I was there that night, and although we didn’t get the win, his stock grew tremendously.
Career highlight so far?
Reaching the ABA National Final, the feeling after winning my semi-final, was a great achievement. I am the second person from Boston, Lincolnshire, my hometown, to have done it. The other man is my father-in-law, Joe Dawson. His daughter Charlene is my partner, and we have a little girl together.
Toughest opponent?
My toughest opponent is Patrick Brown in the amateurs. He recently qualified for the Olympics after being on the squad for two years, so that speaks for itself.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer?
I would say my best would be my movement and footwork for a cruiserweight. My worst would be being unable to switch off outside the gym and relax because I’m always in a rush and must do their nut in.
Training tip?
Don’t listen to people blowing smoke up your bum; it won’t do you any favours. Stay consistent and keep your head down.
Favourite meal and restaurant?
Can’t beat Angelo’s Italian in my hometown. (Italian Connection) always knows how to look after me when I go in, and the food is 10/10.
Best friends in boxing?
I’ve got quite a few from the amateurs. Apart from Callum, I would say my gymmate Connor Meanwell. I speak to him most days, and I feel like I’m his mentor because he’s not the full ticket.
Which other athlete would you like to be?
You’ll have to say Floyd Mayweather really, look at the man and what he’s accomplished and he ain’t short of a bob or two.
One thing you would change about professional boxing?
Make more 50/50 fights. Less of a business. More TV platforms for prospects to get their names out there. Bring back Prizefighter tournaments for prospects. Give fighters who’ve dedicated themselves and got a bit of pedigree opportunities rather than whether they live in a city or not.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Probably Adam Devine (Shadrach Dingle from Emmerdale).
Have you ever been starstruck?
When I met Dev from Corrie at a boxing show once, I had a photo took with him. Blew my mind when he was having an affair with Deirdre Barlow. No one would have believed it.
When was the last time you cried?
I cry all the time really. I’m quite an emotional person. It doesn’t take me much. I live in my own head all the time. I’m a deep thinker, but I always persevere and keep moving forward.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I hum in my sleep most nights. I was on holiday in Turkey in a villa. There were 14 of us and I kept most of them awake throughout the night. My cousin’s Nan thought it was the morning Mosque call.
