By James Bovington
Kalem Pickles turned 20 just before the recent Bramley Villagers home show which saw Pickles box for the last time for the West Leeds club where he began in his early teens.
Pickles now plans to train with another club and have bouts within the formal England Boxing amateur structure.
“Up to now I’ve been on what’s called the unlicensed fight scene,” he said.
“It’s been great fun. The emphasis is on the individual and it allows you to build up a bit of a local fanbase and earn some money on ticket commissions. But it can be tricky to get enough bouts as you’re looking for an individual to match up with.
“The fact is that in what we call ‘the amateurs’ with England Boxing I should get far more contests with elite fighters who like me are aiming to become professional boxers.”
Former West Leeds Academy student and now apprentice electrician Pickles added: “I’ve learnt a lot at Villagers and I owe them everything.
“I’ve had 13 bouts and won nine including getting a couple of stoppages. I’ve had two draws and two losses. I’ve met opponents with different styles. Some were brawlers with others quite technical in their approach but none of them looking to join the paid ranks. That’s what’s exciting about my new venture.”
Pickles has also played rugby for Stanningley ARLFC.
“He’s a quality athlete,” said Villagers coach Danny Mitchell, 40. “We bonded owing to a shared love for the oval ball. We’ve loved coaching Kalem at Villagers seeing him develop from young boy to young man.
“Kalem is a lovely person, sometimes a little eccentric and certainly unique. He’s clever, cool and a joy to watch as he warms up in his own little world. We wish him well and know we’ll be proud of wherever his journey takes him. It began here at his local club, Bramley Villagers.”
If able to offer sponsorship contact Pickles @kalem.pickles on Instagram. If considering training at Bramley Villagers it’s @bramleyvillagersboxing_fitness.
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