By James Bovington
Bramley boxer Kalem Pickles defeated Castleford’s Alex Evans to win the Haynes Promotion’s light heavyweight 80 kg title belt.
Leeds boxing promoter Tristan Haynes expressed delight that the main event on his show at Leeds Anglers Club on Saturday (14 September) was ‘an exciting and enthralling battle over five rounds’.
“It was everything a fight should be,” said Haynes. “Two young, courageous boxers proving just exactly what they’re made of in an aggressive punch-up with both keen to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in training but also show just how physically and mentally fit and tough they are. Everyone loved it.”
“I’m proud to have won the title on the main event,” said Pickles, 19, who attended Leeds West Academy and now works as an electrician.
“Boxing on Tristan’s shows gives us the chance to gain valuable experience against tough, experienced opponents like Alex.
“It was a pleasure to share the ring with him and there was nothing personal about the cut he received over his left eye.
“I fell in love with the sport when I went to a boxing club when I was just six. Boxing has taught me discipline and improves self-confidence. Next year I’m hoping to start in England Boxing’s amateurs and become a professional boxer in my early twenties. In time I hope to bring championship titles to Bramley.”
Ryan Taylor, 34, won the Haynes Promotions 65 kg novice title belt and like Pickles trains at Bramley Villagers Boxing Club and uses the sport to raise awareness of autism and values the friendships made with a ‘great set of lads all helping each other make progress.’
He added: “We need to promote awareness and develop understanding of these situations which complicate life. Both my children are autistic. One has Asperger’s. I was myself brought up in care. The boxing is therapeutic helping me and so many others deal with the difficulties and hopefully the shows make people feel better about life.”
Haynes, 31, began his shows in 2021 to give West Yorkshire boxers a good platform to showcase developing skills in the three or four events we have each year.
“Some boxers are going through their own struggles as they develop their boxing career. Participation helps them focus and gain confidence. The shows are boxing entertainment at its best and we’re looking forward to welcoming back fighters and friends such as Kalem and Ryan to the final show of the year on 14 December.”
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