Ollerton local Bailey Brassington triumphs over multiple opponents in boxing event in Cannock

Since turning 18 in July, Ollerton native Bailey Brassington has been busy making a name for himself as a successful semi-professional boxer across the Midlands and the North, reports James Bovington.

The young Dukeries fighter recently won an eight-man ‘slugfest’ boxing event, staged in Cannock by Craig Tipton Promotions, earning himself £1,000 in the process.

“I was chuffed to get through the first two bouts and buzzing when I won the final against the experienced Dean McGann,” said Brassington.

It was an incredibly tough event that saw Brassington fight multiple bouts in one evening.

“I just gave it everything and they couldn’t pin me down.

“I’m grateful to Craig for the opportunity and pleased people know that I can handle myself well and show my skills.

“I’ve got four more fights lined up before the end of the year.

“Boxing is in my blood.

“This is just the start.”

Former Dukeries Academy, student Brassington admits being disengaged at school, but now enjoys his engineering apprenticeship and still plays football for his local team in Ollerton.

The young boxer fights out of Revolution Gym in Sutton-on-Ashfield.

He relaxes by spending time with his family and a circle of close friends — with his grandmother, parents, and long-time girlfriend Evie his top supporters.

Bailey owes much of his success to coach Neil Huntley, adding:

“Neil’s been putting loads of time into me behind closed doors, moulding a specific boxing style that we can demonstrate in fights.

“Then he spends weekends driving me here and there to do just that.

“I want to make him proud.

“I’m so grateful to him for all his help.

“The truth is I am ambitious and I’d welcome regular and more demanding fights against harder opponents.

“I’m not scared of anyone at my weight.

“In the longer term I want to be a full-time professional boxer.”

For now, Brassington is deciding how to spend his prize money.

‘I’m putting my £ 1,000 winnings into new boxing gear and doing my car up so I can get to more fights more easily. There might also be a meal in it for Evie,” he joked.