Young fighter Marty Spence is delighted to have boxed Jacob Ali in Leeds on the recent show organised by South Leeds promoter Tristan Haynes stating, “I’m grateful to have had this chance to show just how courageous a lad of seventeen can be and am delighted to have won the bout.”
Leeds City College student Marty explained “I took up boxing at eleven but only started training seriously at fourteen and have won three of my four fights plus wins in kickboxing and MMA. I’m trained by my uncle Paul Lynch and my cousin Charlie who’s currently ranked as England’s best lightweight MMA amateur.”
Marty admires American boxer Micky Ward: “Always considered an underdog but the most courageous of men. I relate to that. My ambition is gaining as much experience as possible then become a professional boxer and make my life-long ambition a reality. Boxing has helped me grow in confidence making many friends. It’s taught me discipline and humbled me to respect everyone as you learn about challenges others have faced. Lads like Jacob and I are strong and tough and proud that we can handle ourselves.
“Boxing can be physically and mentally gruelling but is the best activity for young people and I’m proud if I can be a role model for children. This is especially true now there’s this horrible knife culture developing. I urge them to keep working hard and listen to your trainer. But 100% go for it. Coaches are there to help you improve. Stay focused and you will succeed!”
Thirty-year-old Haynes began his shows in 2021 “to give West Yorkshire boxers a good platform to showcase developing skills locally so anyone prepared to give the time and train hard can compete,” explaining that “Our promotion is about care and compassion for the boxers many of whom are going through their own struggles while allowing them to develop a boxing career.”
Haynes is based at MSA gym in Beeston and is proud that “we’re a team and all those fighting help organise and run the four annual shows including last Saturday’s. The shows are boxing entertainment at its best and allow me to demonstrate just how obsessive I am in my love of boxing. We also fundraise, most recently for the family of a seriously ill local lady.”
This post was written by James Bovington
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