Profile: Lancashire Boxer Josh Holmes

Barnoldswick boxer Josh Holmes is celebrating winning British Boxing’s vacant English super featherweight title belt having beaten Lewis Wood by stoppage in a Lancashire derby at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre.

‘I felt confident about the fight,’ said Holmes. ‘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. A national title. What every boxer covets.’

Holmes is trained by Joe Gallagher at his Moss Side gym Champs Camp. ‘Training was well structured with me going to Manchester four days a week over twelve 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 corse, keeps 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 himself is delighted with the result. ‘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. Lewis Wood is a skilled fighter, yet Josh made it seem like they were in completely different leagues. 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.’

In 2023 Holmes became an ambassador for Maverick Stars Trust. ‘Maverick does amazing work in grassroots boxing and supports ambitious professionals like me who might otherwise struggle to stay in the sport due to finances and other hurdles. The sport teaches discipline and respect and helps maintain positive mental health. Working with Maverick means that I help inspire the next generation to get in the gym to start to improve their lives. This is why I also believe that boxing has a place in school.

Professional boxing is rarely all plain sailing and a further sixteen 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. 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 two hundred 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 ‘grateful for the generosity of sponsors The Maverick Stars Trust, EPES Electrical Contractors, R2H Developments Ltd., CG Machinery Ltd., Salterforth Garden Centre, Skipton self-drive, Perform Physiotherapy and JH Grooming. They make it possible for me to be a buzzing, busy boxer. I also do some one-to-one boxing training sessions. Anyone interested in those or in joining Team Holmes as a sponsor can best contact Josh on Instagram @Joshholmesss or by e-mail joshh1234@hotmail.co.uk .’