Middleton boxer Kai Gale is delighted at winning his first professional bout and wants to be seen as ‘first and foremost representing South Leeds.’
Gale won all four rounds of his super middleweight contest against Londoner Robbie Chapman on an open-air show at Wakefield’s DIY Kitchens Stadium organised by Manchester-based promoter Steve Wood’s VIP Promotions.
“I felt great walking out into the heat to Hate It or Love It sung by rapper 50 cent. I was proud to have been selected for this card alongside other cracking bouts. This was my longest match yet. Good to meet a tricky, slippery and experienced opponent who did more than just defend himself. I proved I’ve mastered boxing fundamentals.
“It was an extremely hot afternoon for fighting. I’ll give myself say 7 out of 10. Kept leading with the jab and controlled the fight from the centre. I enjoy training and keeping fit. I’m excited to have another bout later this year and a central area title’s a reasonable ambition within a couple of years.”
Former Rodillian School pupil Gale recently completed four years in the Royal Engineers where he was selected for the Army boxing team allowing him to concentrate almost exclusively on the sport. ”I did some training as a teenager,” said Gale, “had a few bouts but really got into it as a soldier. I’ve matured. I’m disciplined in training. This is the perfect time to have joined the professional ranks.”
Gale is the son of 1990s light heavyweight Michael Gale who won 21 of 26 professional bouts. “I was in and out of the sport as a child but didn’t have a bout until I was in my mid- teens. In total I have won twelve matches and lost just one. My story’s the same as for many lads. I could’ve gone down the wrong path. Boxing saved me.
“In the present climate with increasing knife crime young people should be encouraged to sort out issues in the controlled atmosphere of the boxing ring and better still concentrate on a sport which stops trouble starting in the first place. I’d be happy to be a role model demonstrating the benefits of boxing.
“I’m managed by Michael Marsden who also coaches me his gym in Rothwell, Bodymania. It’s about a 10k run there and back most days so that deals with the running, roadwork as boxers call it. Michael commended me for a ‘great learning fight.’ My eventual ambition is a twelve round championship fight, the ultimate test of skill, endurance and bravery. I’m not particularly a religious person but I am a believer and have a verse from the Bible book of Joshua on my shorts reminding me constantly to be strong and courageous which is excellent advice for a boxer.”
Gale is now preparing for his second professional fight to take place on Leeds promoter Mark Bateson’s Doomsday show at Elland Road on 10 October. All elite athletes need to develop a fanbase. “I sold about eighty tickets to my first fight and I’m grateful for all the support. As far as I’m aware I’m the only active professional boxer in South Leeds. I’m grateful to Tony Exley of Tex Services in Leeds for his company’s sponsorship which has been invaluable in my preparation camp.
I’d be grateful for more sponsors and if interested please message me on Facebook Kai Gale or Instagram @kai.gale123 or e-mail kaigale1234@gmail.com
This post was written by James Bovington
Photo: VIP Boxing Promotions
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