Our Interview with Boxing Legend BERNARD DUNNE
Former WBA World Super-Bantamweight Champion Bernard Dunne may be an Irish Boxing Legend but we are very aware that Mr Dunne also packs a mean punch in the ‘dressing room’ if you know what we mean! Being in the public eye for such a long time, always in the ring and generally sporting not much more than a pair of shorts, we wanted to hear about the man ‘outside’ of the ring; especially now that he has hung up his gloves and retired from boxing. We caught up with Bernard Dunne this week to find out just what it is, he is up to!
Q: So Bernard, now that you are officially retired from boxing yourself, have you continued to remain in the sport on some level i.e. training or coaching etc?
A: No, Ive decided to take a break from boxing for a period of time. Ive been involved in boxing for 25 years so i want to try new challenges for a while before i get back into it.
Q: Are you really enjoying spending so much more time in Ireland at home with your family?
A: Yes, thats probably what I appreciate the most since I retired. Although I've been busy, the fact that I can come home and sleep in my own bed every night and wake up to see my kids every morning (sometimes earlier than I'd like...) means a lot to me. I lead a different life now which I could never do while I was boxing. Q: You are a role model for young, upcoming boxers and lots of young athletes in general. Do you find this to be a big responsibility in terms of what you do and say?
Yes I do. Its so important to give kids the right message, and sometimes they will take things in a bit more if it comes from someone they can relate to. I'm from a working class background in Neilstown and I still live very close by - so I feel that I am well in tune with what is going on. And I'm always accessable to the people - you will see me doing all the normal day to day things that everyone else does - and if someone wants to talk to me I've no problem with that.
Q: Even though you are retired from the daily grind, do you still exercise / train regularly?
I do still train. I plan to run the Dublin Marathon on Oct 25th so ive got to keep in shape for that. But I enjoy training so I think I will always keep in shape.
Q: You have been quoted as saying you saw your retirement from boxing as a challenge and a new beginning. Where do you think this will take you next?
A: That is the beauty I suppose for me right now. All my life I have really only ever boxed and gone to school. There are so many things that I'd like to do and now that I have the time, I can start planning about how to achieve what I would like to do. (Watch this space!)
Q: In terms of style, we have noted that you're a pretty trendy guy - how much importance would you place on your ‘appearance’?
A: I think appearance is all important - and it's equally as important to make sure you get it right for the given occasion. Generally I like to dress quite casually, but I do like putting on a sharp suit now and then.
Q: Would you consider yourself a naturally stylish person or do you have to work at it?
A: I think I have a reasonably good sense of style, but I'm not averse to taking a bit of advice (depending on who's giving it of course!!!!) Q: It seems most men either love shopping or hate it! Where do you stand on this and what shops would you normally frequent?
A: I don't mind shopping (in moderation!) Louis Copelands in Capel Street in Dublin would undoubtedly be my favourite store. They stock great casual wear like Boss, Gant and Armani and obviously there isn't a shop anywhere in the country that compares to them when it comes to suits. What Louis doesn't know about clothing ain't worth knowing! And obviously, not being the biggest bloke in the world, the fit is all important - and the lads in there just know what suits me. I also like Addiction Menswear in Liffey Valley. Its a good spot for jeans/t-shirts etc.
Q: When are you at your most comfortable … suited up at an event, stylish-casual during the day or in your tracksuit at training!
A: I like being in stylish casual wear I suppose. I'd be quite adventurous with my shirts, and enjoy wearing a really cool shirt with nice Boss jeans. But you always feel great in one of Louis's suits for an event too.
Q: If you had to give grooming tips to young men out there what would be your top tip?
A: Get the fit right - a badly fitting garment just won't look good - no matter how much it cost. Don't be afraid to ask for advice. Staff in the shops tend to know their stock - and can advise you well.
Your Comments
- Posted by Liz on 9 July 2010 at 12:40...
- We here at StyleBible think Bernard has fantastic personal style and are loving that he is as fearless outside the ring as in it! He is rocking this floral shirt (above) don't ya think?
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