We speak to former Commonwealth champion boxer Craig Docherty ahead of his fight at On Top 4.

Your MMA: If MMA was bigger when you were starting your career, would you have competed in it or Boxing?

“If MMA was bigger when I was starting out as a professional boxer, I would have probably done both sports.

“I had a great time when I was boxing and have very fond memories of my time as a pro boxer. I would have definitely frittered with the two sports.”

Your MMA: How different is striking in MMA? What are the differences in the stance?

“Striking in MMA is obviously very different than in boxing, as there are more tools in the shed to use. The number of punches you throw in a boxing match are much more than what you would use in an MMA match.

“You can’t throw the same volume of punches, and lots of combinations that I would use in a boxing match, I wouldn’t use in a MMA match.

“The stance is a bit wider and more of a crouch, and the lead leg is slightly turned anti clockwise to defend led kicks.”

Your MMA: How big a difference do the smaller MMA gloves make? Is it easier to knock people out? How different is defending punches compared to boxing?

“There is 4oz of a difference between the gloves, so not that much weight wise, but the design is totally different. It’s probably more susceptible to being cut more frequently than to knock someone out.

“My defense to blocking shots is more of a hands up style compared to the cross armed defense that I would use as a professional boxer.”

Your MMA: Boxers have often criticised MMA fighters’ striking. In your experience, how good are MMA fighters hands?

“I have not heard any boxer criticising the striking in MMA. Every fighter is different, one may not be as great a striker as someone else, but they may be better on the ground, which is one of the reasons this sport has become such an interesting sport to watch. And you have to be well rounded in every department, or you won’t survive in this sport.”

Your MMA: How did you find picking up Wrestling and Jiu-jitsu?

“It was quite difficult the first couple of months learning Jiu-jitsu and Wrestling, but I was hooked on the two sports straight away and I’m a very quick learner. Jiu-jitsu is the discipline I’m most interested in as a part of MMA, and if I wasn’t doing MMA, I would still train Jiu-jitsu as it’s a great art.”

Your MMA: What has training with the Dinky Ninjas been like? From what you’ve seen, who has the best hands? Could any of them make the switch to professional boxing?

“I love training with the DNFT at the Griphouse. They are great people, great fighters and great role models who have welcomed me in with open arms. I can’t thank them enough.

“All the Ninjas have good hands, and they could all make the switch to professional boxing!”

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Tickets for On Top 4 on February 25 at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland are available via http://www.ontoppromotions.co.uk

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