By James Bovington
West Leeds is home to a good number of tough and talented young boxers hoping to make a name for themselves – and Stanningley’s Conor Doherty is no exception.
The young boxer, who trains at Camp Detox in Wortley under Danny Thornton, is hopeful that bouts before the end of the year will set him in good stead to challenge for regional titles in 2024.
Doherty is keen that boxers are involved in their community. He said: “It’s a tough sport and boxers should be role models. I’ve become an ambassador for Leeds-based charity Candlelighters as it works hard helping families coping with poorly children.
“Working with a charity helps elite sportspeople to contribute to the very community that has helped us progress. I’ve raised funds running the half marathon for Candlelighters and we boxers chose Candlelighters as the charity at the last Elland Road event in June.”
Doherty was introduced to boxing aged 12 in 2011 by his father. He said: “I instantly fell in love with the sport and everything about it.”
Following ten years as an amateur, winning the majority of his forty fights, Doherty signed as a professional managed by Thornton in 2021. “This seemed obvious because I’d been with him since I started. Detox are all like a second family to me. Danny knows the game. We get along well. Danny gave me my boxing moniker ‘The Relentless’ which describes my aggressive fighting style and determination.”
Twenty-five-year-old lightweight Doherty doesn’t yet earn enough from boxing so works in the family roofing and driveways business with early morning runs and evening. He has won all five bouts staged at Elland Road but lost fighting in Scotland at short notice last autumn.
“It was useful experience,” was Doherty’s verdict. Like other determined young contenders he is ambitious. Doherty added: “I want longer fights against more challenging opponents to show everyone exactly what I can do. I’m committed to making a career out of boxing.
“The sport can benefit everyone as it’s an excellent way to improve fitness helping people mentally or physically. I’ve lots of potential but just need the opportunity to prove it. Hopefully by winning at the Leeds Arena.”
His coach Danny Thornton is a former professional boxer and won most of his 43 bouts in a career lasting almost 12 years until 200. “‘He brings great experience and expertise,” Doherty added. “Our boxers are now winning in competitions Europewide. For example, Hammypatrick Joyce from Camp Detox has just represented England in Germany’s Brandenburg Cup winning a silver medal.”
Doherty has several local sponsors who assist with ongoing expenses like medical bills and insurance but would appreciate greater support from businesses and individuals. He is best contacted via Facebook at Conor Doherty.
