Barnoldswick boxer celebrates winning English title after Lancashire derby win

A BARNOLDSWICK boxer is celebrating winning an English title after coming out on top in a Lancashire derby.

Josh Holmes stopped Salford’s Lewis Wood to claim the vacant super featherweight strap at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre.

Holmes was buoyant going into the bout and his dreams came true when the stoppage arrived in the fourth round.

“I felt confident about the fight,” said the 29-year-old.

“I’d left no stone unturned in training and I was convinced that everything would go to plan.

“In the end the referee stopped the fight in the fourth round because my opponent had a nasty cut over the left eye.

“I’d deployed my arsenal with repeated uppercuts, and it paid off.

“Lewis is an experienced boxer and a quality opponent, but my challenge was to win, and I did.”

Professional boxing is rarely all plain sailing and a further 16 months out of the ring owing to hand injuries just after the pandemic ended made Holmes fear that his progress up the rankings might have stalled.

He also needed an issue arising from a routine brain scan to be resolved.

"Keeping positive was a challenge but now I’m an English title belt holder,” he said.

“I’ll always be grateful for the massive local support I’ve enjoyed.

“I love dropping off tickets and building relationships with fans. I’m delighted to have sold 200 tickets to the title fight and taken two coachloads.

“I love recognising supporters when I’m out running on the hills. I hope they don’t think I’m rude when I can’t stop.

“I’ve come a long way from the shy thirteen-year-old that my dad first took to a boxing gym and support from my family and home area makes achieving my ambition all the sweeter.”

Holmes is trained by Joe Gallagher, who has coached numerous world champions down the years, at his Moss Side gym Champs Camp.

The new English champion said: “Training was well structured with me going to Manchester four days a week over 12 weeks for sessions lasting up to three hours.

“Then there’s sparring with other elite boxers sometimes at considerable travelling distance.

“Most days I’d also be out doing road work, which is what boxers call running, over the hills around Barnoldswick.

“Even walking my dog Bruce, a cane corso, helps keep me fit given how much exercise he needs.

“Joe is the perfect coach to take me to the very top.

“I’ve made huge improvements with him which made the title challenge successful.

“I feel secure with my manager Kevin Maree who I know is totally committed to me.”

Maree added: “Josh has been with me since he was just a young lad, so witnessing him win his first title was truly special as his performance exceeded all expectations.

“Our focus is now on defending the English title and keeping Josh active. After a performance like that, there may be pressure to move him quickly, but I’ll ensure we take the right steps. If his career is managed carefully Lancashire’s looking at a future world champion.”