I WANTED to dislike Prince Patel. I wanted him to live up (or down) to the reputation that preceded him. I hoped to come away with a file full of controversial quotes, outrageous self-promotion and uncalled-for insults.
But something unexpected happened. A couple of hours in the Prince’s company left me actually liking a man who has upset so many members of the British boxing fraternity, from his fellow contenders to proven champions to ex-pros to journalists and to fans in their thousands.
Maybe it’s because our conversation was conducted without an audience. Maybe it’s because it was not done over social media, nor in front of a television camera. Or maybe it’s just because he’s older and wiser and, at 30, Patel realises the clock is ticking on his dream to become a ‘world’ champion; that he needs to build bridges rather than burn them; and that many people do not appreciate the histrionics of pro wrestling, from where Patel says he took his cues as a young pro.
“In wrestling, I always prefer the heels,” he says. “Look at [WWE champion] Roman Reigns – he’s brilliant as a heel. As a face [good guy], he was boring.
“I used to watch ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin disrespecting his boss live on TV; it brought in huge viewing figures. D-Generation X [a rebellious wrestling
