BRAINBOX Colin Wilson pulled no punches as he stormed to the semi-finals of Mastermind — by answering questions on his favourite fighters.

The 37-year-old, from Green Road, Kidlington, chose boxing world heavyweight champions from 1882 to 1929 as his specialist subject on the popular BBC quiz.

And he left his opponents wilting by scoring 25 points, making him the highest-scoring runner-up.

Mr Wilson has previously appeared on quiz shows 15 To 1 and Sportsmasters, but said Mastermind was his biggest challenge.

He said: “It was incredibly nerve-wracking when I first sat in the famous black chair.

“Although it is surprisingly comfortable, you have John Humphrys metres away, and it feels as if he is leading an interrogation.

“It really is as intimidating as it looks on television.”

Mr Wilson said he studied for weeks in preparation.

He said: “I read lots of reference books. After I have stored as much information as I can, I write out questions and try to pre-empt what I am going to be asked. I try to remember specific answers.

“Even though everyone is nervous, they are all friendly and make you feel very comfortable,” he said. “The BBC does everything it can to make sure you feel relaxed.”

Oxford has produced some notable Mastermind contestants — including last year’s champion, Nancy Dickmann. The 33-year-old, from Edgeway Road, Marston, became a mother only four weeks before the first round of the competition was filmed.

Last night, Mrs Dickmann wished Mr Wilson the best of luck. She added: “I would recommend preparing for your specialist subject as much as you can, because you can always wing the general knowledge round.”

Mastermind has been re-garded as TV’s toughest quiz since it launched 35 years ago.

Mr Wilson is still unsure whether he will re-apply next year. He said: “It’s mentally draining, but if I came across a subject I felt I could do justice to, who knows?”

Broadcast dates for the semi-finals have not yet been revealed by the BBC.