Conisbrough boxer Joe Hayden delivered a powerful knockout of previously undefeated Welsh opponent James Atkins to the delight of an ecstatic and partisan crowd filling Doncaster Dome in what was a night of triumph for five Doncaster boxers who secured wins on their show themed 'The Rise of Doncaster. Undefeated Joe Hayden took two Commonwealth welterweight title belts.

Hayden was surprised to get the stoppage so early on. “I’d prepared for the bout not to go the distance, but that was quick. I was working on the fundamentals with decisive jabs to the body and then he succumbed to a barrage of punches with a minute to go of the second round of a scheduled ten.”

“I’ve realised a dream winning these belts. Anything else will be a bonus. I’ve proved that I’m more than just a steady boxer. I’ve developed knockout power. I had a game plan. Use my speed, master my reflexes and land the finishing shot. The vocal support quelled any nerves I might have had, although confidence that I hadn’t cut any corners in training also helped. The fact that so many have consistently supported me these last four years as a professional makes it all worthwhile, and I’m massively grateful. I dedicate this victory to my supporters. My boxing career might have been a bit slow to take off, but now it has, and I’m going to keep rewarding those who support me. There’s nothing better than words and waves of encouragement from supporters as I complete those exhausting but essential runs round Conisbrough.”

Supporters always include a large contingent from the secure hospital where Hayden works part-time as a nursing assistant. Colleague Mel Richards is “proud of Joe and happy to be his number one supporter. Everyone would love him as their son. He’s such an inspiration for all young men.”

A former student of Saint Pius X High School, Hayden works part-time as a nursing assistant at a secure hospital. “I used to play football semi-professionally for clubs in Frickley and Maltby, but I switched to boxing following a knee injury and then finding adequate time to train for the ring during the pandemic. It’s thanks to my manager Dave Allen, the ‘White Rhino’, that I’ve now had 22 bouts, and I’ve always appreciated his faith in me. I began serious training on Dave’s patio five years ago during the pandemic.”

“I’ve learnt it takes a team to build a boxer,” said Hayden. My manager Dave Allen is my inspiration, but chiropractor Kal Hammond-Race, sports therapist Beth Smith and nutritionist Matt Hynd have also been instrumental in contributing to this success. Thanks also to my many generous local sponsors who’ve made this investment possible.”

Hayden’s father, Christopher, unexpectedly passed away in 2006, aged just 41, when Joe was seven and younger brother Dan was three. “Part of my determination to succeed in sport comes from our mother,” explained Hayden. “She suddenly became the breadwinner and taught us the importance of being resilient as she grafted to make everything right for my brother and me. She’s the best role model, strong and hard-working. When I win a contest, I’m not showing I’m a better person, but like any boxer, I’m proud to have proved to be the tougher athlete, both physically and mentally. Winning makes the torture of training camps worthwhile.”

Twenty-six-year-old Hayden had chosen Don’t Stop Me Now as his walkout song at Doncaster Dome. He’s foremost in a group of Doncaster boxers clearly having a good time. Hayden and other Doncaster fighters plan to compete in the city on the 16th of May undercard of Dave Allen’s encounter with Croatian fighter Filip Hrgović. Four years after Doncaster received city status, the local boxing scene is thriving.

The Rise of Doncaster was organised by Sheffield-based promoter Kas Hussain’s My Man Management along with Rhino LA. This was the eighth show for Hussain, 33, who established his company in 2024. Hayden secured the Commonwealth Boxing Council’s (CBC’s) International and Silver Championship belts. CBC has regulated and sanctioned Commonwealth championships since 1954.