(Interview by Louis Evans)
BN: How strategic are your publicity stunts?
The disparity between amateur boxing and professional boxing is clear to me. While one is purely a sport, the other is essentially a business masquerading as a sport. Without actively promoting oneself, garnering interest from the audience becomes challenging. Progressing in this realm is unlikely without proper marketing efforts.
It’s very hit-and-miss. The Forrest Gump thing [Brandon travelled to Dublin dressed as Forrest Gump for Matchroom’s Fight Day 5k, amusing promoter Eddie Hearn] was to get my Matchroom contract. It was purely strategic. But that was a complete joke with Ebanie Bridges [where Brandon initiated a viral, flirtatious social media exchange]. It was in The Sun and The Daily Star! I was just trying to be a cheeky teenager at the time.
I’m not seeking viral fame, I simply want to have a good time. As a young boy pursuing my dreams, what more could I desire? Except, of course, Ebanie Bridges.
BN: What added pressure has your showmanship created?
BS: When I first started my boxing journey, I faced ridicule from bullies who believed I was too small. On top of that, I also dealt with Tourette’s syndrome and ADHD, which made things even more challenging. However, despite the doubts, I persevered. At the age of 13, I had my first fight, and by 15, I had already become the British amateur champion, competing across Europe. Many doubted my abilities, but I proved them wrong. They never expected me to become a professional boxer, but here I am today. Determined to make a mark, I confidently declared that I would steal the spotlight at the Matchroom show. And without boasting, I accomplished just that.
The main source of my confidence stems from the fact that I have consistently followed through on everything I have set out to do. I remain unfazed by people’s opinions, as my experiences with Tourettes and enduring bullying from a young age have only strengthened me rather than weaken my self-assurance. I have developed an impenetrable resolve.
Although I have a deep admiration for Mike Tyson, it’s important to acknowledge that if he had a dislike for me, he could easily overpower me. However, I must admit that being known as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ is not my cup of tea. Instead, I wouldn’t mind being called ‘The Baddest Nerd’ because I’m confident I could thrive at ComicCon and come out victorious. I embrace challenges that others perceive as drawbacks and strive to turn them into advantages.
The levels of positivity vary greatly among various social media apps. While Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok foster a friendly environment, Twitter seems to harbor negativity. On Twitter, it feels like they are after me, wanting to publicly shame me. People often turn to Twitter to vent their anger, even directing it towards me. It’s as if they are in the middle of an argument with their spouse, and suddenly it becomes, ‘Where is that Brandon Scott, damn it!’
During fight week, my sole purpose was to post on my phone as I remained highly concentrated. However, my parents would sift through the comments, and I had to reassure them that they shouldn’t matter. In my previous fight, I had to raise my voice at some of my team members who reacted emotionally to the comments. It is often said that one’s surroundings can shape them, and the people around me were starting to be affected. Their annoyance became my own because I genuinely care about them. Similar to Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid, the most effective defense is to simply not be present in that situation.
On the other hand, some individuals describe me as a refreshing change and eagerly anticipate my next fight. However, the ones who truly impact me are the children who share their personal stories, just like I have shared mine. These messages deeply affect me, tugging at my heart and bringing a sense of joy because they remind me of my own experiences. As a young person, I yearned for someone to admire and emulate in the world of boxing, someone who would affirm that it is perfectly acceptable to be unique. If there had been a role model like me during my journey, I would have felt more comfortable and at peace.
BN: Your childhood obesity is well documented. When was the turning point?
It hit me hard when I began experiencing frequent illnesses. My mom took me to see a doctor who presented me with a graph depicting weight categories: ‘normal’, ‘overweight’, and ‘obese’. To my shock, I fell into a category far beyond ‘obese’ – I was classified as morbidly obese. The doctor cautioned me about the negative impact this would have on my health if I didn’t take action. This revelation held much more weight than any teasing from kids; it came from a knowledgeable expert genuinely trying to assist me. It was at that moment when a switch flipped inside me.
BN: How did attitudes towards you change after shedding the weight?
I have a strong inclination towards obsession. Starting from the age of 12, I dedicated myself to daily training. I never indulged in drinking or attended any social gatherings at friends’ houses. My routine involved returning home at 3:30 pm, hitting the gym by 4, and not returning until 8.
Even after I began boxing, the relentless bullying persisted. They didn’t spare me even for pursuing my passion. As a small person, I was constantly targeted by the bigger kids who wanted to spar with me. Frustrated and hurt, I chose to distance myself from these individuals and withdraw from school. I managed to negotiate with the headmaster to allow me to leave early twice a week, avoiding any interaction with my peers. I also gave up on spending time with my friends after school. My entire focus became centered around boxing and losing weight. Although the bullying didn’t cease, I removed myself from their presence.
BN: What are the biggest obstacles you face as someone with Tourette Syndrome?
It is important for people to acknowledge that we cannot control Tourettes. Tourettes manifests in various ways, with some individuals saying hurtful things and others experiencing involuntary twitches or making small noises. Personally, I may potentially start uttering words someday, which I sincerely hope doesn’t happen. If it does, it would greatly complicate my press conferences, turning them into extremely challenging situations. I might even have to resort to taping my mouth shut to manage the condition.
The biggest trigger for me is a solitary, intense source of illumination. The presence of a glaring light directly above the camera during most interviews is absolutely dreadful. It infuriates me to no end! When I’m speaking, my involuntary facial movements make me resemble someone experiencing a seizure. Comments from viewers suggest that I’ve suffered repeated blows to the head, implying a brain injury. One individual had the audacity to comment, “Blink if you’re gay.” As for the facial tics I currently exhibit, I have grown accustomed to them. Frankly, you eventually learn to accept and adapt to these challenges.
BN: How vindicating are your achievements in boxing?
I was initially disappointed with the Anthony Joshua fight due to my perception of it, but now that it’s over, it has become one of my most cherished moments. Accepting the fight with just a week’s notice and having to lose a significant amount of weight in just four days was a challenging experience. It was particularly unpleasant as I was in Magaluf when I received the call!
On paper, my opponent posed a significant challenge, particularly considering the stage I’m at in my career. He taunted me online, boasting about defeating me. It was a new experience for me, and I struggled to handle it. And let’s not forget the notorious press conference where I was infamously dubbed ‘David Brent’!
The impact of the week on those around me was evident. It was the first time in my life that I almost gave in to the overwhelming pressure. Fortunately, I had a supportive team, especially my father, who helped me stay focused on my goals. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
BN: Who were your idols growing up?
Spider-Man is a remarkable character, as stated by Stan Lee, his creator. Lee expressed that Spider-Man’s greatness lies in the fact that he can represent anyone. This is precisely why he dons a mask. Underneath it, Peter Parker, who is perceived as a nerd, transforms into a powerful being capable of scaling buildings and possessing incredible strength. Despite these newfound abilities, Spider-Man’s unwavering morals remain intact. He remains a virtuous individual dedicated to doing what is right. This unchanging aspect of his character is what contributes to his overall coolness.
Individuals who have faced bullying or are currently facing challenges will seek solace in him because he understands our experiences. He refuses to let his weaknesses hinder his progress. I have no desire to be someone who flaunts wealth or prioritizes popularity. Sure, Brandon may be considered a nerd, but when he steps into the ring, he fights with the bravery of a superhero! We all crave a touch of Spider-Man’s essence in our lives.
While browsing the comics at HMV, a fellow wearing an Iron Man 3 t-shirt unexpectedly approached me and inquired if I was Brandon Scott. It was quite unexpected, considering the setting had nothing to do with boxing. Nevertheless, my plan is to introduce the nerds to the boxing realm, revealing our true capabilities to the world!
BN: To what extent is ‘nerd culture’ still uncool?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the definition of various concepts has transformed. In the 1980s, a person labeled as a “nerd” would typically be someone wearing glasses with a passion for mathematics. The term “superheroes” would often refer to individuals such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, towering figures standing at 7’5″ with chiseled physiques and muscles larger than my entire body.
In the present day, many of the emerging superheroes are individuals who embrace their nerdy side. This is an incredibly positive development as nobody should ever feel excluded based on their appearance. Ben Whittaker, for example, passionately embraces anime and manages to make it trendy. As for myself, I may not actively strive to make nerd culture cool, but I am finding a way to make it my own. The world has become far more inclusive and accepting in recent times.
BN: What do people underestimate most about you?
BS: The injury to my hand has significantly impacted my boxing ability. Ever since my second fight, I have been dealing with a severe hand injury. Despite the X-ray results showing no fractures, my tendons and ligaments have suffered extensive damage. This injury has persisted through my last four fights, even the ones with Matchroom. It’s frustrating because I have had opportunities to land powerful right-hand punches, but I have had to rely on jabs instead. I have a fierce fighting style and a strong desire to attack, but this injury has been a major setback for me.
I regretted participating in my third fight. It was a foolish decision, but I knew I had to fight in the fourth match in order to be a part of the Matchroom show. Unfortunately, my hand was in such bad shape that I couldn’t even warm up properly. However, I couldn’t afford to miss the Cardiff Matchroom card. To make matters worse, my hand needed to last as long as possible, but it gave out in the second round. Finally, I thought I could take a much-needed break and receive treatment. But then, I received a call to fight on the Anthony Joshua undercard. There was no way I could pass up on such an opportunity, even if it meant fighting with no arms or legs. It was truly a dream come true.
I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to demonstrate my exceptional abilities. I am aware of my remarkable potential and I am determined to leave a lasting impression on others. Prepare to be astonished as I surpass expectations.
BN: What do you do better than anyone else?
BS: I possess immense bravery to undertake the daring actions I engage in prior to a fight. As a performer, the stakes are high when entering a bout, as failing or underperforming leads to severe public scrutiny. The thought of it is truly frightening.
BN: What’s your chief motivation in boxing?
BS: Women and money! No need to sugarcoat it [laughs].
BN: What legacy do you hope to leave as a boxer?
This individual defied all expectations. He pursued the world title and pursued Ebanie Bridges, despite the obstacles in his way. He relentlessly pursued his goals, never giving up. I still have hope for Ebanie; we are simply taking a patient approach. He never compromised his integrity, remaining true to himself. That’s all there is to it.
