'Amazing' - York boxer celebrates incredible first year

York boxer Jack Marshall is delighted at how successful he’s been in his first year in the paid ranks.

And he is keenly anticipating fighting again after the summer break on shows organised by his coach and manager Henry Wharton and Leeds-based promoter Mark Bateson.

The 21-year-old lightweight began boxing aged 14 at Henry’s Gym, now on The Crescent in York, and continues to be managed and coached by the former professional boxer of which the facility takes its name.

“My first year of professional boxing has been amazing,” enthused Marshall.

“I love having longer, more challenging fights than in the amateurs as I get the time to pick my shots and wear the opponent down.

“I’ve won my four bouts on points, so in box speak I’m 4-0 and couldn’t have hoped for anything better.

“But now to make further progress I need to get more sponsors to allow me to train full time and develop my local fan base.

“As a boxing prospect the onus is on me to sell fight tickets and meet my opponent’s expenses so there’s not much financial reward yet."

Marshall enjoyed a successful amateur record, including national titles and a Yorkshire senior elite belt.

“I loved the amateurs and especially competing away including trips abroad,” he explained.

“But it was time for longer, harder fights against experienced opponents.

“Henry has helped me build character, physically and mentally. I’ve progressed in skill and power and really settled into my style as well as learning to adapt to whatever an opponent throws at me."

It’s still early days though for Marshall, who works part-time and is a long way from earning his living boxing.

But his coach has placed high expectations upon his shoulders.

“He’s ambitious and his positive attitude and willingness to develop new skills make Jack well suited to professional boxing,” Wharton explained.

“He’s relentless and unpredictable and proved that he can counter a punch and launch a damaging combination.

“We’re expecting great things from Jack.”

In his limited spare time, the young talent enjoys fishing and supporting his local rugby club.

He is keen to finish the year undefeated, and is eyeing up a first title fight in 2025.

“I always to do my best to put on an entertaining and electrifying performance,” he promised supporters.

“I aim to fulfil my potential and be the best boxer possible.

“My ambition this next year is to remain undefeated possibly getting some stoppages and I plan on having my first title fight in 2025.

“I’ve huge ambition and would love to have at least one shot at a world title and maybe win titles in multiple weights becoming the champion that puts York boxing on the map.”

But none of that would be possible without his sponsors, for whom Marshall is extremely thankful for.

“I’m grateful to my sponsors who make my boxing possible,’ he explained.

“Thanks to Coversure-York & Batley, Bromwich Family Butchers, Empire Pro Tape, Commercial Cleaning Company and Hunters Wetherby.

Potential sponsors can contact Marshall at jackstan74@hotmail.com or message him on Instagram @jmarshall_15.