Q: Mr. Boyes, when and where were you born?

Boyes: I was born on April 11, 1982 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. Then at age 10 we moved to Radcliffe, Manchester. I am 25.

Q: Where do you live today?

Boyes: I live in Blackpool, but I feel as if I live out of a suitcase most of the time.

Q: What was your first experience with 8 Ball? What do you prefer to play?

Boyes: I started out playing English pool, and then when I heard about the IPT I quit the game to play American pool. My first experience of English 8ball was in the local pub that was across from our house. I was about 14-15 years old when a friend named Gram Heywood spotted me and signed me up on his team. I quit playing golf to play pool...yes, I'm a strange bloke. Hahaha! My first experience of American pool was at a qualifier in Boston for the IPT Tour only 2 years ago. I lost in the final to George Breedlove. It did my head in at the time, but I haven’t looked back since.

Q: What are some of your Titles/Championships won?

Boyes: World Cup Pool Champion, Golden Cue Champion, 3-time UK 9Ball Champion, 8th Place IPT World 8Ball Open, 3rd Place World Pool Championships.

Q: Do you have any sponsors?

Boyes: No, but all offers are welcomed!

Q: Were you ever a road player?

Boyes: No, that doesn’t happen in England. Everything revolves around snooker, and that’s supposed to be a gentleman’s sport (plus they earn enough money so players don’t need to gamble). I wish I was brought up in The States though, because I think all the road playing stuff sounds funny.

Q: How do you think the mentality of UK players compares to that of US players? What about compared to that of Filipinos?

Boyes: I think the English mentality is different than Americans because we like to be quiet around the table and not really talk and just focus on the match. As most Americans talk a lot and try shark you. But there are some nice ones out there… The Filipinos are just so confident around the table. They’re like the Brazil of pool, and they believe they are better than everyone else (which they probably are, to be fair).

Q: How did you come about getting the alias “Guapo”?

Boyes: Is it not obvious? It’s because of my good looks! No seriously, it all started at the 2007 World Pool Championships in Manila. When I was walking around the streets some of the women kept calling me “Guapo,” so it kind of stuck. Darren Appleton said they were saying it to him, but he is not—well, I mean— who would call him “Guapo”?

Q: Do you have a coach?

Boyes: No I don’t, although I wish I did because I'm not very dedicated (any offers?)

Q: What’s in your cue case?

Boyes: Predator BK2-custom made Predator with 3142-Predator jump cue, hair straighteners and wax, and my sunglasses.

Q: What is your regular practice routine?

Boyes: I usually wait till I get to the tournament and practice there. Depends on what tournament—if it is a big tournament I practice a lot.

Q: There is a lot of pressure in pool….how do you get your head in the game before a match?

Boyes: I don’t think about the pressure, I just want to play how I know I can play. If I do that, everything else falls into place. I just want to enjoy it and earn money.

Q: What kind of music do you like?

Boyes: Elvis, 80s, love songs, dance music, something I can sing along to.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies besides pool?

Boyes: I like to go to the gym or do some sort of exercise, like to play golf and tennis…I like to wind people up, too.

Q: You have traveled the world. What is your favorite cuisine?

Boyes: I like Asian food.

Q: What do you normally eat for dinner at home?

Boyes: Well, for 6 months I eat rubbish, and then for the next 6 months I’m usually on a diet. Haha!

Q: What is the worst place you have ever had to sleep while on the road?

Boyes: Next to Darren Appleton. It was a horrible experience.

Q: Who inspires you in pool? Outside of pool?

Boyes: I look up to Alex [Pagulayan]…actually, well, he looks up to me…but you know what I mean. I just like the way he goes about his business. He wants to win as much as anyone, but he doesn’t take it too seriously. You will always find him laughing and having a beer in the bar. He is just a sound guy.

Q: Did you go to college?

Boyes: I went to college for about 16 months, learning to be a carpenter, but ended up leaving before I finished the course. It’s something I regret now, but you live and learn.

Q: Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Boyes: Well, I would like to be playing on a proper pool tour like the golfers and tennis players have. The money doesn’t have to be crazy like their tours are, just as long as you can earn a decent enough living to travel the world playing pool and treat it like a proper job. I don’t understand why there isn’t one, seeing as how it’s such a worldwide sport. Let’s hope you guys at the IPT come up with something!

Q: How did you feel when you were invited to face Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan in the IPT’s Ultimate 8 Ball Challenge Series?

Boyes: I was really happy. I like Alex, and we get on well, so let’s hope we put on a good show. Will be nice to see some old faces, and find out what direction the IPT Tour is going in.

Q: Can you predict the outcome of your upcoming match?

Boyes: Well, I think I'll win of course...15-11. Then you all can call me “The Lion Tamer”. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. He was very lucky last time we played…must be a Filipino thing. Haha!

To learn more about Karl, visit his website at http://www.karlboyes.co.uk/