Boxer Kieran MacMillan was delighted that the unusual way in which he marked his eighteenth birthday turned out to be a success as he won his bout on the Haynes 13 boxing show at The Angler’s in Burmantofts (13 September 2025).
Thirteen also proved a lucky number for MacMillan’s older brother Lewis and cousin Leighton who both won their bouts. All three boxers train with promoter Tristan Haynes at his Beeston gym.
Rodillian Academy sixth-former MacMillan explained that “the show turned out to be quite a family affair. It was my 18th birthday, and we enjoyed massive vocal support. I started boxing last year. I’d paused my rugby owing to a dislocated knee. I now train three times a week with my older brother. This is my second decision bout after a few exhibition bouts. My opponent survived a count in the first round, but the referee stopped it after I dropped him again in the second. I can’t wait for the next Haynes show in December when I’ll be fighting another Middleton lad Rawa Rashid. We’ll be putting on a proper derby for south Leeds.”
Lewis MacMillan and Leighton Campbell are both 26. Window manufacturer Lewis defeated Ricky Ward to remain undefeated in his three bouts since taking up the sport seriously just two years ago. Leighton defeated his opponent Mark Feely with what was described as a “brutal, nasty and punishing first round knockout” but which pleased those in attendance judging from the roof-lifting noise of appreciation. “I’m a lad from Hunslet who works in a bank,” said Leighton. “Like my cousins I’ve always played rugby. They persuaded me to give boxing a go. Now this. It’s surreal. I’ll be back for more.”
There was disappointment for Haynes fighter Ben Finlay, 28, defeated by Scunthorpe’s Corey Holloway in an intense five two-minute round clash which saw the two evenly matched boxers hug in friendship and appreciation of each other’s courage and skill as Holloway was declared the winner. Finlay had won 14 of 17 Haynes bouts having gone back to the boxing he enjoyed as a child in 2021. “I wanted to lose weight,” said Finlay, “and this was the sport I knew. Tristan keeps me busy. I like the training. I love the action in a fight where I feel calm and comfortable but also excited to win. I’m now keen to win back my Haynes super middleweight title.”
Haynes runs his stable of fighters from the MSA gym in Sugar Mills Business Park where Leeds Trinity sports student Gracjan Krupski trains. “I’m well known as a Thai boxer. Tristan persuaded me to give boxing a go and although I didn’t get the win, I was proud that my fight with opponent Bradford’s Kieran King was declared fight of the night.”
Anthony Miller’s son Kyren hopes to become a professional boxer. Anthony himself has just gone into formal partnership with Tristan Haynes to form Haynes & Miller Boxing and Fitness Gym and is well appreciated by all boxers for his commitment to them and the encouragement he consistently offers especially at the shows. “I came to see Kyren train and before I knew it Tristan had me holding pads. Soon boxers were asking me to assist with drills. I’m naturally a quiet person who enjoys helping people and seeing them develop over time.”
Haynes, 31, is from Belle Isle. “We’re about giving well-trained local boxers the opportunity to entertain while showcasing their skills and earning a bit of cash through ticket sale commission.” Tickets for Haynes 14 on 6 December are available from the boxers via social media. If wanting to train with Tristan Haynes contact him on Facebook or e-mail thpaintersanddecorators@gmail.com.
This post was written by James Bovington
Photo: L-R: Leighton, Lewis and Kieran MacMillan
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