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James Bovington
Boxing Correspondent
12:00 AM 22nd June 2024
sports

Boxing Spotlight: Billy Pickles

 
Billy Pickles - courtesy of McMain Photos
Billy Pickles - courtesy of McMain Photos
Promoter Dennis Hobson's show at Skate Central Sheffield on July 13th will feature Leeds boxer Billy Pickles in his most difficult fight to date, a ten-round match against Keanan Wainwright.

This will be my seventeenth professional bout and my third ten-rounder since joining the paid ranks in 2016, and I'm hoping for a win.

"These ten-round fights are a test of skill, courage, and endurance as each fighter struggles to prove that he is mentally and physically tougher, and they prepare a boxer for the ultimate challenge of a twelve-round bout.
Billy Pickles


Pickles won eight four-round bouts, five six-round matches, and one eight-round bout. He then beat Mohamed Mutalemwa over ten rounds in Sheffield in February 2023 before losing to Lucas Ballingall in a ten round English super lightweight title fight in Portsmouth last July. 

Billy Pickles - courtesy of McMain Photos
Billy Pickles - courtesy of McMain Photos
I was delighted to get a fourth-round stoppage against Mutalemwa but obviously distraught with the July result when I got stopped in the eighth.

No excuses but in my defence, I did take that fight at short notice. I’ve been on an intense training camp for the Wainwright fight, and I intend to do whatever is necessary to win especially as it’s in the opponent’s backyard.

"I respect Keanan but there’s a job to be done as I take what’s mine. Actually, it’s a great fight for both of us with the winner likely eligible for a shot at a Commonwealth title. The twelve rounder all boxers crave.


Using the alias ‘The Kid’, thirty-year-old Pickles is currently ranked 38th out of 123 British boxers in his super lightweight division registered with the professional sport’s governing body, the British Boxing Board of Control, and now trains at Club Energy in Otley under Martin Bateson. 

I started boxing training aged ten because believe it or not I wanted to lose a bit of weight to be a better rugby player for my local team in Bramley, where I grew up and still live.

I continued to enjoy rugby and football but before I knew it, I’d had 67 amateur bouts and represented England three times. I love boxing of course the training and the actual fighting, the walking into the ring and hopefully the elation of victory. But I dislike cutting weight. All boxers do. Over the years selling tickets to fights hasn’t always been as easy as I’d have liked. That’s the case for most prospects and contenders until a boxer becomes famous. Or gets a television contract.


Pickles admires Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe who retired in 2008 undefeated in 46 professional matches.

That’s exceptional of course, but he was an excellent boxer with a great work rate. I’d like more time to improve but despite getting a fair amount of generous sponsorship I still work full time as a builder fitting training around the job. Or is it the job round training? The fact is it’s like having two full time jobs. I could do so much more and improve further as a fighter if I could concentrate exclusively on my boxing.


All elite athletes need generous sponsorship and boxers possibly more than most given the high cost of medical bills and insurance.

I’m lucky really, so I’m taking this opportunity to express my gratitude to HB Tunnelling Ltd., Baker Harding Recruitment, Cheney Pa yroll Services Ltd., Rodley Carpets, EG Foam Ltd., LA Building & Joinery, Hayley’s Yard Kitchen, Club Energy Otley and @Jamiepeacock10. So many thanks.