Featherstone boxing trio enjoy success in Yorkshire shows

Bailey Willis acquired a second title belt while Jensen Connolly and Alfie Hunter made stunning debuts, showing strong potential as future title contenders, writes James Bovington.

“I won the middleweight title belt on Haynes Promotions in Leeds in April and have now added the light middleweight belt on the WF Promotions Barnsley show,” explained Pontefract’s Bailey, 23, who works as a mechanical engineer.

“It turned out to be an odd bout in Barnsley. Let’s say that the opponent didn’t fully respect the rules and ended up being disqualified in the second round.

"That said I know I was winning as I kept up the pressure and got in some good shots.

"Two title belts on two successive shows two months apart. I’m buzzing, obviously. I switched from kickboxing to boxing and part of that is because I love the big show atmosphere and the way in which a boxer can build up his fanbase. That’s what I’m doing.”

Apprentice engineer Jensen Connolly, 17, is Bailey’s younger brother and like him boxes at 70kg.

“I also have a kickboxing background and have now switched to boxing. I took the bout at two weeks’ notice and was delighted to get the win over a local fighter.

"I dominated the fast-paced bout throughout from the centre and kept leading with my jab to both head and body. I outboxed my opponent.

"It’s about showcasing skills and I’ve learnt to deceive by feinting and it worked out well. That’s what people find entertaining. We’ll see what happens, but boxing is my future. I’m buzzing about it.”

“I was also absolutely buzzing before and even more so after the bout,” said apprentice electrician Alfie, 18, who boxed at middleweight and who like Jensen is a former student of the King’s School.

“I didn’t feel too nervous as I’d trained intensively and made weight easily. I’d never felt fitter.

"I got the win over an experienced Leeds boxer. I kept him on the back foot and stayed sharp avoiding what he threw at me. I’ve proved I belong in the ring, and I just can’t wait for my next fight.

"I’m proud to represent FK Fox boxing. We’re a close-knit team of lads who all support each other and are well coached by Graham. It was a privilege to make my debut on a major Yorkshire show in front of a large crowd and I felt buoyed up by a decent level of vocal support. I’m also grateful to my sponsors Collab Commercial Interiors and RK Electrical for my fight shorts.”

Bailey and Alfie boxed on the WF Promotions show at Barnsley Metrodome and Jensen appeared on Craven Boxing’s Skipton show.

Bailey and Alfie hope to fight on the WF Promotions Wakefield’ September 5 show. Jensen next boxes in Leeds on July 11. Contact the boxers via social media for tickets.

For training at FK Fox Boxing. contact Graham by e-mail [email protected] or Instagram @fk.fox_boxing_gym. The Featherstone club is located on Green Lane, WF7 6JG.