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FIST OF FURY: Ahmet Patterson goes on the attack

BOXING CHAMPION Ahmet Patterson has told the Voice of Sport the secrets behind his punches and what sets him apart in the ring.

The IBF International super-welterweight champion, also known as Pattycake and Punch Picker, hails from Leyton in east London and recently claimed the vacant IBF title when beating Ryan Aston at York Hall.

Despite a challenging start, Patterson came into his own in the third round, landing with big right-hand punches, powerful headshots and three-punch combinations which eventually saw him crowned the winner in the sixth round.

"I'll fight anyone, I've shown people what I'm all about. I know I've got what it takes to be the best. I'll be claiming my own world title someday," said Patterson after his big win.

The confident pugilist added: “Yes, I am a good fighter but I am also aware there is a difference between fighting and boxing. Anyone can fight, but not everyone can box.”

The Bromley resident who flies the flag for both Turkey and Jamaica - he has a Turkish Cypriot father and a Jamaican mother - said: “It’s not simply about going into a ring and throwing as many punches as you can until you are tired. That is not how it works. It’s hit and don’t get hit.

“I came in the ring with my looks and brains and I intend to leave the industry with lots of money, my looks and brains. I don’t intend to go into the ring to entertain people by getting my brains bashed in or my face smashed! My aim is to do the bashing!”

BELTER: Patterson celebrates his January success

When away from the ring, Patterson has created his own relaxation techniques. The young married husband, who got hitched on the BBC Three show Don't Tell The Bride three years ago, said: “I have been listening to a lot of audio books while training. I am a big believer in the law of attraction and the universe. I am a thinking boxer!

“I also train my brain by reading an hour per day reading books such as Anthony Robbins’ Awaken The Giant Within because the brain recognises it as reading a whole book per day; meaning if I read an hour per day every day, it’s like reading X amount of books per week.

“As a boxer I cannot only train my body to win fights but I also have to train my brain. Just like lifting weights to get bigger muscles; the only way you can stretch the brain, which is also a muscle, is by reading.”

Aspiring to be the next world champion, Patterson who has never lost a fight in his 17-fight pro career and trains daily at the famous east London Peacock Gym with trainer Martin Bowers, admitted: “My passion for reading and books gives me an edge to my boxing skills, stamina and performance levels. I’m not just about muscles or brawn but brain.”