Featherstone boxing gym stars Callan and Bailey shine on Leeds show
Featherstone’s FK Fox Boxing gym is celebrating as two of its fighters won title belts on a leading West Yorkshire promotion.
Callan Appleby and Bailey Willis brought home the Haynes Promotions area title belts at 75kg and 70kg respectively, writes James Bovington.
In the Leeds-staged show Callan won by unanimous decision and Bailey by first round knockout.
Apprentice welder-fabricator Callan lives in Castleford with his family.
“This was my last fight as a teenager,” said Callan, who turns 20 this month.
“I’d had several opponents lined up but at short notice I learnt I’d be fighting Manchester’s Hayden Sherriff. He’s 27 and vastly experienced. I felt honoured to face him at this relatively early stage in my career.”
Callan versus Hayden turned out to be a fast-paced and brutal encounter testing both fighters’ skill, endurance and courage over four demanding two-minute rounds.
Although Callan by no means had it all his own way he answered everything thrown at him and secured the win as Hayden frequently found himself on the back foot and defending himself from one barrage of powerful punch combinations after another launched by Yorkshire boxer Appleby.
“Hayden and I were exhausted at the end, but I’ve been told that there were about 400 people watching and they all found it entertaining and exciting. I’m proud to have shared the ring with a distinguished opponent and I’ve gained valuable experience.”
Bailey Willis, 23, lives in Pontefract and works as a mechanical engineer. He built a reputation as an impressive kickboxer throughout his teens but switched to boxing three years ago.
“I love the atmosphere on a boxing show,” he said. “I’m proud to have secured the win in Leeds with a first round stoppage of my opponent Will Cairns, from Manchester.
"I was down to be on late, but the start got delayed so I was pumped up and keen to get the job done. I knocked him down with a powerful body shot I’d been practising and the referee waved it off.
“I was buzzing afterwards and like Callan I can’t wait to be out again showing what I can do.”
Also keen to demonstrate talent and aptitude were 15-year-olds Elliott Carter and Lewis Ward matched with boys from Pontefract’s Yorkshire Gladiators.
“I’ve been training for about a year and grateful for the opportunity to show I can land a punch,” said Elliott.
Lewis added: “It’s good in a skills bout to concentrate on what you can do without worrying about who’s won.”
FK Fox Boxing’s head coach Graham Brierley said: “I’m proud of the four boxers who represented us in Leeds.
"Awesome performances from the two title winners whose focus in training camp paid off and good to see the juniors showcase skills. There’s a bright future for them all and the gym.”
Promoter Tristan Haynes added: “The Featherstone boxers contributed immensely to a successful show.
“They’re committed to boxing, dedicated even. Our promotion exists to provide competitive local opportunities for boxers who commit to intense training.”
Contact Callan via Facebook or e-mail [email protected] to discuss sponsorship. Bailey can be contacted at [email protected].
Anyone in training at FK Fox Boxing can email [email protected] or @fk.fox_boxing_gym. The Featherstone club is located on Green Lane, WF7 6JG.