By James Bovington
Bramley boxer Billy Pickles is celebrating a points win over Lancashire’s Max Curtis on the Leeds Arena show which saw Barnsley’s Callum Simpson collect the British super middleweight title.
Pickles, 32, is pleased to have “stuck to my game plan working behind the jab and keeping my distance. I showed that I’m constantly developing my boxing IQ. The opponent will have found this approach frustrating. I’ve now got a new manager Kevin Maree and was planning to fight earlier. This was my first bout in over a year, so technically I’d become inactive.”
“I’m glad I waited because I got to box on the undercard of this massive show at the Leeds Arena. The atmosphere was highly charged, quite the best I’ve ever experienced and the Leeds crowd was vocal as always. It was thrilling to walk out to Marching on Together.
“Time out is frustrating for any athlete and for a boxer there’s the danger of ringrust. My performance proved I hadn’t any. I’d stayed focused and dedicated, training hard and sparring top class opponents in preparation and this paid off and hopefully another big stage opportunity will come again soon.
“I’m grateful to Kevin Maree, Ben Shalom and Boxxer for the opportunity which will hopefully provide the breakthrough I’ve worked hard for.”
Pickles has won 19 of his 20 bouts since joining the paid ranks on an Elland Road show in November 2016 and is currently ranked 23 of 118 UK boxers in his super lightweight division. Opponent Max Curtis has won ten of his 12 bouts in his three years as a professional.
“Like most boxers I’ve built up a local fanbase and I’m grateful to so many Leeds people for their consistent support. I also massively appreciate the ongoing sponsorship from HB Tunnelling Ltd., Baker Harding Recruitment, Redbox Renovations and Club Energy Gym.”
Pickles has now confirmed his status as an elite athlete. Potential sponsors should contact him on Instagram @billytkpickles or by e-mailing billy.pickles@outlook.com.
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