Dr Arthif Daniel, known as 'Doctor Hitman', leads a double life as a dental surgeon and professional boxer. He spends his weekdays in calm dental surgeries in Runcorn and Manchester, and his weekends in boxing rings across Europe. The 33-year-old super-welterweight has fought 18 professional bouts, winning 15 and losing three.
Daniel, who was born and raised in London, says his boxing career often helps put anxious patients at ease. 'I never mention my boxing in the surgery, but sometimes a patient will have looked me up on Google and, once they find out I’m a professional fighter, it calms them,' he said. 'Being a professional boxer as well as their dentist just seems to be the best ice-breaker possible.'
His path to professional boxing was unconventional. As a teenager, he trained at amateur boxing clubs in London, including Northolt, Lynn and Miguel’s gym in Brixton, but never had an amateur contest because he wore a beard for religious reasons. He studied dentistry at King’s College London and, after graduating, decided to explore professional boxing.
Daniel built a friendship with former British heavyweight champion Danny Williams, who introduced him to legendary trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Under Muhammad's guidance, Daniel attended the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, where he trained with Floyd Mayweather. 'The Floyd Mayweather I got to know was a gentle and caring guy, just a very giving and loyal person,' Daniel said.
He has also become friends with world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, accompanying him to Belfast last summer for his confrontation with Tyson Fury. Daniel made his professional debut in Hull five years ago against an experienced journeyman.
