Beeston boxing promoter Tristan Haynes expressed delight that the main event on his show at Leeds Anglers Club on Saturday (14 September 2024) was “exciting and enthralling” as Leeds lad Kalem Pickles defeated Castleford’s Alex Evans for the Haynes Promotion’s light heavyweight 80 kg title belt.
“It was everything a fight should be,” said Haynes. “Two young, courageous boxers proving 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 enjoyed it.’
“I’m proud to have won the title and been the main event,” said Pickles, 19.
“Boxing on Tristan’s shows gives us the chance to gain valuable experience against tough, experienced opponents like Alex. I was six when my dad first took me to a boxing club, and I instantly fell in love with the sport. There’s nothing that I dislike as boxing teaches discipline and improves self-confidence. Next year I plan to begin my journey through England Boxing’s amateurs and aim to become a professional boxer when I’m twenty-one.”
At twenty-four Evans is five years older than Pickles.
“I’ve been training and competing for about four years. It’s a hobby. It keeps me fit and I’ve developed lots of friends at the gym and on the circuit. I prepared well for the fight getting my weight down and then knowing everyone enjoyed the show. Boxing totally clears my head and it’s great in every way. I put up strong opposition and congratulate Kalem on winning.”
The show also offered fifteen-year-old South Leeds lad Josh Barker the opportunity of a ‘skills bout’ in which novice boxers gain experience without the pressure to get a win.
“Joshua lives with autism and ADHD,” explained his mother, Nicole. “He’s loved training twice a week at MSA these past nine months and the boxing is benefitting him not just physically, but is also helping his social and emotional development. He loves that the Haynes team are all like a family and always supportive.”
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” he continued. “Participation helps them focus and gain confidence. I want to thank the medical team and the outstanding referee we have in the highly experienced Joe Ford whose care for the fighters and ability to make split second decisions are second to none.”
Haynes is proud that “we’re a team and all those fighting help organise and run up to four annual shows. The shows are boxing entertainment at its best and we are looking forward to welcoming back fighters and friends to the final show of the year on 14 December.”
This post was written by James Bovington
Main photo: Alex Evans and Kalem Pickles. Credit: Julian Hudson
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