\n<\/p>\n
From Manchester, Middlemiss appeared destined to establish himself as a major face on UK television before suddenly deciding to follow a totally different path.<\/p>\n
With a showreel including credits on Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, his decision shocked many within drama circles. But not, it transpires, those closest to him given his competitive streak.<\/p>\n
“Acting can be tough but it’s a damn sight easier than boxing,” Middlemiss laughs.<\/p>\n
“My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don’t think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do.<\/p>\n
“OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don’t think, because of how I am.<\/p>\n
“There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there’s something about boxing which immediately grabbed me. I think it’s the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it’s just you and the other guy so you can’t rely on anyone else.<\/p>\n
“You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up.<\/p>\n
“From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it’s the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience.”<\/p>\n
Middlesmiss, who starred alongside Sally Lindsay and Robin Asquith in the Madame Blanc Mysteries, was actually a promising cricketer before deciding to don the gloves.<\/p>\n
But long fielding days put Middlesmiss off the sport, breaking his dad’s heart who loved attending the lengthy matches.<\/p>\n
“It’s the polar opposite to boxing,” Middlesmiss says. “I just fell out of love with it in the end. It was a gradual decline.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n