By James Bovington
Four boxers from an Armley gym posed for a photo with title belts won this season. All four train at the England Boxing affiliated Ministry of Boxing on Moorfield Road established in 2022 by Phil Wisher and his son Josh who himself boxed professionally for three years.
Former West Leeds Academy student Zak Day works full time at The Ministry. A qualified personal trainer, 18-year-old Zak has trained as a boxer throughout his teens.
He said: “I defeated a lad from Harrogate in my sixth fight. For my opponent it was his twelfth. The amateur sport is all about making improvements and I’m pleased to be able to see younger boxers in the classes I teach at our gym do just that.
“I’m planning to continue competing and winning and hopefully move onto shows at national level. It might be that eventually I box as a professional. That’s a worthy ambition.”
Iranian refugee Mehdi Khosravi, 26, competed extensively in his home country before coming to Leeds early in 2024.
He’s now won an Elite or Class A Yorkshire title belt at 60kg.
Khosravi is building himself a strong reputation on the northern amateur boxing scene and according to Josh Wisher “is never away from the gym putting in the hours and winning the bouts which has led to a possible selection for the Olympic Refugee Team competing in Los Angeles in 2028 following in the footsteps of UK-based Cindy Ngamba from Cameroon who won a bronze in Paris in 2024.”
Elliot Lynch, 17, is a class B belt holder at 60kg. Known as ‘The Blade’, Lynch beat a highly experienced opponent to secure his belt.
Noah Oakley, 15, won a Yorkshire class B title belt last year and remains undefeated having recently made a successful defence.
Farnley Academy student Noah started boxing at The Ministry two years ago and had his first bout last June.
“I like that it’s an individual sport and it’s on me to improve through training and then remain focused, turn up and get results. I train at our gym four times a week and this year I want to continue to develop and experience challenging fights.”
“Noah loves being at The Ministry,” said mum Lisa. “It’s great to see him disciplined and focused. My son thrives on a challenge and keeps going until he succeeds. He receives excellent guidance and mentoring from boxing coaches who encourage everyone fully to achieve their potential.
“I was initially apprehensive when Noah wanted to start boxing but it’s heartwarming to see bonds of friendship being made as everyone cheers him on during his bouts.”
“All four are talented boxers committed to their craft,” added Josh Wisher. “They train intensively and show the skill and grit to win and become area champions. We’ve now about 30 active boxers aged ten upwards with many competing on local shows.”
Mehdi Khosravi is sponsored by The Ministry directly and by local firm Tony Banks Exhausts. The latter also sponsors The Ministry of Boxing as does Lynch Renovation & Development Ltd.
For further information about boxing at The Ministry, or to offer some sponsorship, text or call Josh Wisher on 07717 202784 or Phil Wisher on 07917 715016.