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Charlie Kirk started boxing only recently \u201cto learn how to handle myself and toughen up frankly,\u201d and is grateful to Beeston promoter Tristan Haynes for the chance \u201cto showcase the skills I\u2019ve learnt in what is the best sport I\u2019ve ever done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEveryone should learn to box to feel more confident about self-defence,\u201d said Kirk, 16. \u201cI feel better about myself each session I attend, and I\u2019ve now proved my skills in two exhibition bouts. I\u2019m hoping I\u2019ll have a decision about soon and if successful maybe I could eventually become a professional boxer.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Dad Adam commented that Charlie \u201chas always enjoyed a physical challenge and this is the ultimate one. We will support him.\u201d<\/p>\n
At 27 and father to a boy of six, Leeds 10 roofer Sam Grayshon won his first ever bout by split decision after three hard fought rounds. \u201cI\u2019d done some boxing years ago,\u2019 said Grayshon, \u2018but now I\u2019m taking it seriously as I want to be a role model for my young son, someone with a purpose that he can look up to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kirk and Grayshon boxed on \u2018Haynes 12\u2019 held at The Anglers Club in Burmantofts.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cA skills bout without the pressure of a declared win\/lose result is ideal for children like Charlie just starting out,\u201d said Haynes, \u201cand most are then enthusiastic to progress to fights with a result. Sam has shown that you can start competing successfully as an adult. I particularly want to commend Owen Ineson who won our promotion\u2019s title belt. He\u2019ll admit to fighting where maybe he shouldn\u2019t have before starting boxing training. Owen\u2019s now dedicated to the sport with the result that he boxes confidently, competently and courageously. He put on a masterclass defeating Matty Piper.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cTristan and I worked out a game plan,\u201d said Middleton resident Ineson, 19, \u201cI used my jab repeatedly and concentrated on footwork agility. I won the belt. Now it\u2019s back to roofing but I\u2019m looking forward to the September show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haynes, 31, has organised several annual shows since 2021 \u201cto provide local boxers with the chance to demonstrate how good they can be and particularly give younger fighters possibly aiming to box professionally the challenging bouts needed. Attendees are always vocal in support and enjoy watching a quite aggressive punch-up. But it\u2019s always good-natured with boxers chatting as friends after their bouts.\u201d<\/p>\n
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This post was written by James Bovington<\/strong><\/p>\n
Photos: Left: Owen Ineson and Tristan Haynes; Right: Sam Grayshon with his son<\/p>\n
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