By James Bovington
While training together at Al Osta’s Farsley gym, four young boxers from Leeds took time to explain how the sport has been central to them coping with tragedy as three prepare to compete in Osta’s 6 September show.
Former Horsforth School students Joe and Andy Walshaw lost their brother Matty in a car accident in Horsforth in 2018, and Max and Sam Duffy’s mother passed away in 2019.
“I started Thai Boxing at six,” said factory worker Andy, 22. “I was 15 when Matty died. I’ve had to get used to it and just carried on with life. Matty’s never left either of us.
“It’s important to make him proud. Losing him has made me focus, given me a goal. I’ve always loved the challenge of a fight.
“Joe and I compete regularly on Jamal Promotions, but these bouts are hopefully stepping stones to fulfilling my ambition to box as a professional. I need to get my name out there.
“My ambition is to be a professional boxer. I’m convinced I can go far. I have a lot of support in west Leeds and sometimes it can be overwhelming but I want to be able to look back and be proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Joe, 28, said: “Matty was doing well as a Thai boxer at Tobin’s Gym in Armley. He didn’t have the time to show how good he could be. Both my brothers followed me into combat sports.
“Losing him gave me impetus and I kickstarted my boxing with Al Osta shortly after the accident. Stuff happens. I’ve had ten bouts and won seven. I haven’t competed for 14 months, so I need to make a statement on Saturday and keep boxing. Andy can make it. He’s well capable, and I try to guide him.”
At just 18 himself, former Benton Park student Max Duffy, now 24, found himself not only guiding but being entirely responsible for younger brother Sam then 15 after their mother’s death.
“Mum instilled the correct mindset and we both work hard. We’re determined to be successful,” he said.
“I started boxing at Osta’s gym a few days after her funeral. We’d promised our mother we’d succeed as boxers. I’m competing in the Yorkshire championships in Bridlington the week after Sam has his lightweight title fight on Jamal’s.
“My brother is the centre of my world and everything we share is about boxing. Earlier this year we opened a gym in Shipley, Different Breed, which I manage full time.”
“I’m leaving no stone unturned preparing for my title bout,” said Sam, 21, who attended Woodhouse Grove.
“I’m totally committed and that’s helped me already win six of eight bouts. My mum was my rock. I promised her I’d be a champion. Seeing Max win fights inspired me. People agree he did a quality job raising me in those potentially tricky mid-teen years.
“I work full-time in sales and assist Max at Different Breed. I’m at Osta’s four times a week. You’ve got to be patient in boxing. It takes self-belief and years of dedication.”
Osta, 42, has been a been a coach for 15 years and set up his gym with partner Bradford’s former professional boxer Jermaine Springer in 2017.
“Hence the name Jamal,” said Osta. “We’re based at Ultra flex gym on Coal Hill Lane. The gym is a base by both professional and amateur fighters, but open to anyone keen to learn boxing skills and get fit.
“Jamal Promotions has put on shows for the last two years. This will be our sixth sell out show at the White Rose Banqueting Suite, giving a platform to fighters to develop their skills and build a local fanbase with opponents will coming from gyms across the North. There should be a dozen bouts with 8 fighters from our gym boxing.
Andy, Joe and Sam box on Jamal Promotions at White Rose Banqueting Suite LS12 1HQ on Saturday, 6 September from 6.30pm. Tickets cost £40 and are available via Instagram @jamal_promotions.
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