by James Bovington
Leeds boxing promoter Tristan Haynes is anticipating an ‘exciting and exhilarating’ show next Saturday as two teenage fighters compete for the Haynes Promotions title belt with Kalem Pickles of Bramley Villagers making his first title defence.
“I won the light heavyweight belt in September,” said Pickles, 19, whose ambition is to become “the next world champion from Leeds but for now I need to prove I can defend my belt.”
Pickles will meet Harvey Bedford from Knottingley, who trains at Al Osta’s Farsley gym, making the match a west Leeds derby.
“Harvey and Kalem are young,” said Haynes. “But both are experienced and always put on an exciting and enthusiastic performance which showcases techniques learned and proves how physically and mentally tough they are.
“Those attending are always vocal in support and enjoy a quite aggressive punch-up. But it’s all good-natured with boxers chatting as friends straight after the bout.”
Pickles added:”‘Boxing on Tristan’s shows helps us gain valuable experience against other young boxers like me who see their future in the professional ranks.
“We have to be disciplined while preparing, making weight and selling tickets just like professionals.”
Opponent Harvey Bedford also wants to be a professional boxer. “I’ve been training for ten years, and my ambition is to join the Army and be in their boxing team.”
Seventeen-year-old Bramley lad Gracjan Krupski is also boxing on the show. Krupski has trained at MSA in Beeston for six years building up a successful record as a Thai boxer and has been honing his boxing technique for the past year. He will also face an opponent from Wakefield, Nathan Wilson six years his senior.
Haynes, 31, has organised up to four annual shows since 2021 and aims “to provide local boxers with the chance to demonstrate how good they can be and particularly give younger fighters aiming to box professionally the challenging bouts needed”.