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Boxing has really helped with my confidence and has brought me out of my shell much more as an individual”.
They often say, “don’t meet your heroes”. Often people are disappointed, they are left wondering why they are so different to what they envisioned, why they didn’t fulfil their expectations and how they became ordinary once the initial excitement passed.
Much like many other fighters who grew up idolizing the sport’s most famed athletes, from the mainstream to the niche, from the Muhammad Alis and Mike Tysons to the Emanuel Augustus’ and Dave Allens, Jake Tinklin (6-0) grew up hoping he would one day be as good, if not better than his native idol: Gavin Rees (38-4-1).
The professional fighter from Risca (Tinklin) came from a boxing family who were accomplices of the former Welsh world champion (Rees) and ever since Tinklin was a youngster he had wanted to follow tradition.
“I first got involved in boxing through my father’s friend: Jamie Weetch. At the time he was a well-known amateur from Cwmcarn ABC and has now moved to Australia and competes as a pro. Me and my other five siblings got introduced to the head coach: Gary Butcher and we’ve never looked back since! Boxing has really helped with my confidence and has brought me out of my shell much more as an individual”.
After getting his first taste for the sport in the Welsh amateur circuit, Tinklin quickly began to develop and attract the attention of domestic coaches looking for a prospect to start working with. It wouldn’t be long before the young and ambitious Tinklin would yield the attention of his idol, and now trainer.
Gavin Rees: “I’ve known Jake’s family all of my life and that’s how I first came to meet him. I’ve been working with him for four years now, we’ve been very unlucky not to get Welsh titles in the amateurs and Jake (Tinkin) has boxed a load of brilliant lads. I think the pro system suits his game to a tee, he might be used to the fast 3-round pace of the amateurs but once he settles into the 6-8 rounds he’ll really do well”.
The 22-year-old welterweight had the early ambition to be recognized as one of Wales’ most prestigious fighters, he wanted to be held in the same stead as the Calzaghes, Wildes, Selbys and most importantly his chosen favourite: Rees. At the age of 18 and still competing as a top-level amateur, Tinklin would bare arms with the very man who brought him to the squared circle.
“My dad used to take me to watch him (Rees) fight all the time and is still my boxing idol today and even better he’s now my trainer. Dreams do come true!”
By the age of 18, Tinklin had already achieved one of his most important goals in the sport. Since they formed an allegiance in the amateurs, Tinklin and Rees have been working together ever since and appear to have one of those unique coach/fighter relationships that many of the sport’s greats have shared. They often say that boxing is not just an individual sport, it’s who you have in your corner, and for Tinklin his corner is among the best available in the country.
It has been seen many times in the sporting world before, an athlete will achieve their lifelong goals too early and peak at a young age, leading to a disastrous fall from grace when motivation slowly diminishes and the drive behind their beginnings begin to fade, much like Connor McGregor’s rise and fall from superstardom. Tinklin is not in any danger of falling into that bracket however, as the Welsh prospect is still yet to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming one of Wales’ most famed prizefighters. Tinklin has found motivation in multiple avenues of life along his road to today, and his drive for success only grows every day.
Now 5 fights into his professional career, Tinklin has a new source of motivation to add to his list of ambitions.
“I’ve always been self-motivated as I love the sport so much, but now I want it even more to provide for my son and so he has something to look back on. I want to provide a big future for him when he’s older and that’s why I’m heading to the top”.
The father to be speaks of a bold future in the sport, but his confidence seems justified with a deep knowledge and understanding of boxing acquired over a high-level amateur career and frequent sparring contested against the best fighters in the UK.
“The best part of my ability as a boxer would be my jab, I can work behind it and create openings wherever the fight may lead. I always put 110% into every single fight and the same goes for my training camps. There’s blood and sweat everyday”.
Looking toward his future goal of becoming Wales’ next great, Tinklin remains optimistic yet calculated.
“I’m not going to stop until I get those titles. In five-years-time I want to be somewhere where my son can look up to, I want to be in huge televised fights so I can really show the world what I can do and make something for my little boy.”
Tinklin has the privilege to work with his boxing idol in the quest for superstardom and domestic glory, whereby the pairing will be keen to pursue titles in the foreseeable future. It might seem a monumental task to achieve similar feats to Calzaghe and Rees, but Tinklin’s intentions remain set in stone.
“Losing is not an option for me. I will get those titles”.
Read more on Morgan Jones HERE
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Jake would like to thank his No 1 fans (Girlfriend Amy Powell, Dad and other family members), the army of followers, supports and sponsors for their continued support: Chepstow 4×4, SLS UK, The 420 Headshop & Lounge, Griffths Design, G&C Contractors, C Thomas Metals, Dai Jeffries Ltd, Philip Retter Car Sales, Phil Harvey Tyres, FSR Electrical, JMP Heating, Neil Taylor Garages, Newbridge Dental Care, Lonsdale Van Centre
Read more on Chepstow 4×4 HERE
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“For me, I think having 75 amateur bouts was a massive achievement. I never turned down a fight and used to fight anyone whether it be on a day’s notice or a few months. My most memorable boxing achievement was getting to my first senior final at the Celtic Box Cup where I only lost to the current commonwealth games silver medallist.”
“I love training and fighting with my brother, it’s like having another coach. We get on each other’s backs about bad habits and help each other when making weight. Being able to share my pro debut with my twin brother was a dream.”
The twin brother dynamic has become an unlikely commonality within boxing in recent years with the emergence of the Charlo brothers in America and the McDonnell’s in the UK. Ben Demmery believes that his relationship with his brother Jake will only help to push the pair on and will enable him to reach his goals later down the line.
Jake and Ben had both been keen athletes in their younger years, but it was boxing that really peaked their interests.
“I got involved with boxing at the age of 11 with my twin brother at a small boxing gym in my local area. After trying every other sport you can think of, boxing was the one I fell in love with. It helped in every aspect of my life giving me discipline and confidence.”
Demmery endured a successful amateur career over the span of 75 bouts, with his biggest success coming in the Celtic Box Cup in 2018. Demmery ousted Norwegian Kevin Gronlund in the quarter final match and then Jordan McIntosh in the semi-final match. The final proved to be a bridge too far as Commonwealth silver medallist Aiden Walsh claimed a unanimous decision victory, but had been pushed all the way by Demmery.
Regardless of falling just short against Walsh, Demmery had accrued enough experience against a multitude of opponents to take the decision to turn pro under the tutelage of trainer and manager Chris Sanigar.
“For me, I think having 75 amateur bouts was a massive achievement. I never turned down a fight and used to fight anyone whether it be on a day’s notice or a few months. My most memorable boxing achievement was getting to my first senior final at the Celtic Box Cup where I only lost to the current commonwealth games silver medallist.”
Ben made his pro debut alongside his brother Jake, with both claiming points victories to kick off their respective careers. Ben was able to carry over the success from his amateur career into his first outing in the pro ranks as he overcame a very awkward opponent in Paul Cummings.
Cummings provided a stern test as a 6ft2 Super Welterweight, just an inch shorter than heavyweight contender Oleksandr Usyk and the same height as Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, but Demmery overcame his rangy opponent over the four round contest and learned many a lesson about the pro ranks in the process.
“My debut went well; I fought a much taller awkward opponent who came to fight. The atmosphere from my fans was incredible though and I loved every minute of it! I learnt a lot from the fight as well. Smaller gloves, more rounds and no vest. All these things make a difference when taking the step into the paid ranks, but I felt I adjusted well.”
While he remains early in his pro career (current record of 2-0), and at a stage where many fighters would still have a somewhat undefined style, Demmery sees himself as a very technical boxer and prides himself on performing in a certain manor.
“I would say I’m a technical boxer and I can throw a wide variety of shots. For me, there’s nothing better than boxers who have the perfect basics, someone who can hit and not get hit.”
Considering Demmery’s preferred style of boxing, it’ll come as no surprise that the Super Welterweight sees Tyson Fury as one of his boxing idols, considering the excellent boxing and defensive skills of a fighter like Fury.
“Growing up I used to love watching the likes of Hatton and Pacquiao two absolute warriors. Now it has got to be Fury. For me, not only is he an unreal boxer, but he’s got to be the most entertaining bloke I’ve ever seen!”
With Demmery having now made his debut, progression through the ranks will be the key over the next 12 months, but Demmery also retains big hopes for the for his career as a whole.
“My plan for the next 12 months is to be at least 5-0 making my way up the ranks and rounds. As a massive Bristol City fan I would love to box at Ashton Gate if it was for a title that would be a dream come true.”
While the fledgling careers over Jake and Ben Demmery currently remain in their infancy, the pair will look to follow in the footsteps of the aforementioned successful twin brother pairings and will know that they’ve achieved immense success if they reach those heights.
Ben Demmery next fights 29.02.2020
Read more on Jake Demmery HERE:
Read more on Pawel August HERE
Read more on Aaron SuttonHERE
Ben would like to thank his loyal fans, supports and sponsors for their continued support: Bristol Windows Ltd, Drillcut (UK) Ltd
“I think my experience as an amateur does help with the mental aspect of boxing, its taught me how the sport works and the sacrifice that is needed to achieve.”
FIGHT SCENE CATCH UP WITH JAKE DEMMERY
It’s often said that boxing is a thinking man’s sport and not a tough man’s sport. Albeit the art of the practice is to incapacitate your opponent and deal as much physical damage as possible, the methods in which this goal is achieved can only be executed by the fighters who are able to think the smartest.
For Jake Demmery, the art of visualization is as crucial as punching itself.
“I really like to think and visualize fights in my head from the ring walk all the way to the end. This is such a big motivator for me as I have already seen myself do it and it’s an important part of preparing.”
The Bristol-based fighter began his boxing journey alongside his twin brother: Ben, when the two curious schoolboys stumbled across Downend ABC.
“My first boxing gym was in a small temporary building near my school. Me and Ben had tried many sports and always had an interest in boxing but I don’t think either of us thought that 12 years on we’d be turning professional together”
Under new manager and trainer Chris Sanigar’s expertise, the Demmery twins are ready to bring double trouble to the payed ranks after enjoying championship success as amateurs.
Now outfitted stablemates with the likes of Lee and Andrew Selby, Gavin Gwynne, Tamuka Mucha and Lee Haskins, the Demmery’s have all the fundamentals required to begin visualizing and pursuing prizefighting success.
“I prefer to do all of my talking in the ring. Too many fighters who turn pro say they want to win world titles right from the get-go and that goal is so far away it’s hard to really push for it. My aim at the moment is to fight for the British title, I believe I’m able to reach that level and then look to push into different avenues from there, maybe then for major titles.”
Jake Demmery’s journey to the famed Bristol Boxing Gym, which has produced nine champions over it’s 30-year history, stemmed from his eagerness as a vested amateur. Growing into the sport from the age of 11, Demmery had a strong belief that practicing as often as possible would make perfect and prided himself on being available whenever an opportunity to develop his skills would come to fruition.
“I had 64 contests as an amateur and it could’ve been closer to the 80 mark if I hadn’t had periods of injury. I’ve always boxed at a high level against top-quality opposition and I’ve had experience at major tournaments like the Celtic Box Cup in Ireland and the Haringay Box Cup. I think that’s where my experience and understanding of the sport comes from, I know the importance of being ready at all times and if I ever had a last-minute call, I’d always cancel plans and make sure I was able to fight.”
Jake enjoyed his first piece of silverware in the sport at the Haringay Box Cup where he won a silver medal in his fourth time entering, just coming short in the 69kg final against Germany’s number three. For Demmery, it was an indication of things to come and after a promising amateur career, the headguard was abandoned and the professional contract signed.
“There is nothing better than getting your hand raised after the hours of training and sacrifice before a fight. However, I feel that you learn a lot more from a loss than a win that’s why as an amateur I was never scared to fight anyone. You either win or you learn, losing is not getting in there and doing it in the first place.”
Demmery also believes that his high-level amateur experience will carry him in good stead transitioning into the professional game and making adjustments moving forward.
“I’ve been sparring 4-6 rounds to prepare for the transition from the amateurs to pros, but that’s nothing new, I’d usually do four rounds or more before I turned professional. You have to be adaptable as a boxer and I know how important it is to prepare accordingly.”
It’s also important that Demmery is able to adapt outside the ring, as the 23-year-old is still working full-time, despite signing with Sanigar Promotions. His vision as a professional is grounded in reality, and the thinking man knows how tough it can be to make a splash in such a gigantic pool.
“Many fighters who have just turned pro will know it’s a long road until you get picked up by the likes of Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. I work till 4pm, train at Bristol Gym Monday and Wednesday, either do boxfit classes or road-work on Tuesday and Thursday and get sparring in whenever top pros are available.”
“It can be difficult if you’ve had a long, hard day at work and then you’ve got to head straight to the gym, but I truly love this sport and I understand that sacrifices have to be made.”
Now 12 years into the future from where the twins first laced up their gloves, they have the chance to preform on the big stage. Although neither shy away from an old-school dust up and enjoy giving the fans an exciting battle, one of their best weapons in the arsenal is the mind.
“I always prefer the slick boxer, there’s nothing better than watching someone that can’t be hit. I would describe myself as an awkward fighter who’s hard to pin down. I can box smart and I can stand and bang, I’ve never been afraid of a real fight and I’m always prepared to adapt.”
With every strength however usually comes a weakness. For Demmery, one of his greatest assets is also one of his most cultivating weaknesses.
“Sometimes I struggle mentally in the build-up to fights. I have no problem with putting in the work and dieting correctly, but I tend to get very anxious about how I’m going to preform and not boxing to the best of my ability on the night. That’s something I know I have to work on and will continue to do so as I move forward in my career. I think my experience as an amateur does help with the mental aspect of boxing, its taught me how the sport works and the sacrifice that is needed to achieve.”
Both Bristol brothers will make their walk to the ring as professionals with a current record or 2-0-0. They claim to have it all, the skill and the desire, but also know the challenge which is now cast in front of them. There’s no doubt the Demmery twins will be visualizing victory, and there’s no telling what will come thereafter.
“I’d like to just say that anyone thinking about buying tickets not to miss out on the crazy journey for the Demmery twins. There are some very exciting nights of Bristol Boxing ahead. Don’t miss it.”
Read more on Sanigar Events HERE
Read more on Aaron Sutton HERE
Read more on Pawel August HERE
Read More on Ben Demmery HERE
Jake would like to thank his loyal fans, supports and sponsors for their continued support: Bristol Windows Ltd, Drillcut (UK) Ltd
“At 13 years old I was getting into trouble at school and I ended up in a few fights, so my parents took me to Taunton ABC under head coach Dennis Cornall. Within 3 years I was English ABA JUNIOR champion and I went on to represent England in the GB championships winning the gold and the Boxing News Boxer of the tournament.”
FIGHT SCENE CATCH UP WITH PAWEL AUGUST
24-year-old Pawel Augustynik’s professional record currently stands at 11-0, making him undefeated in the light heavyweight division. The fighter from Somerset has demolished adversaries in remarkable fashion, showcasing his ability to become a real contender within the division.
As a fighter, Pawel is perhaps best described in his coach Dave Entwistle’s words:
“Pawel excites me, early in his career he relied on his raw strength and aggression to win fights, but now nine fights in, his boxing is starting to come together and he has been able to improve technically while maintaining that natural strength.”
“Now he’s an exciting fast puncher, compact with strength and a natural aggression, but still knows how to pick his punches”.
Like many boxers, August was introduced to boxing at an early age in order to keep him out of trouble during his school years.
“At 13 years old I was getting into trouble at school and I ended up in a few fights, so my parents took me to Taunton ABC under head coach Dennis Cornall. Within 3 years I was English ABA JUNIOR champion and I went on to represent England in the GB championships winning the gold and the Boxing News Boxer of the tournament.”
After such an explosive start at a young age, Pawel progressed into the amateur boxing scene and from there things started to fall into place.
“Back then I beat a lot of experienced international lads who had far more experience than me, but I was tough and wanted it more. Pretty soon after I boxed on an amateur show which Chris Sanigar was attending. After the fight he invited myself and my coach David Entwistle to his gym and we got on well, so when the time came it was only natural to turn over with Chris who has a good history of producing professional champions.”
The current light heavyweight division boasts an enticing line-up as we head into the latter stages of the year and a lot of that promise comes from the UK with Anthony Yarde and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Josh Buatsi stealing the headlines time and time again. These are two fighters that Pawel holds in high regard.
“I have a lot of respect for both Yarde and Buatsi, they are an important part of a division that is currently very strong and holds a lot of talent. I like Yarde’s agility and his ability to combine speed and power to become explosive and I think Buatsi has a great skillset and has a lot of experience from his time as an amateur which gives him a great pedigree.”
As well as these two current light heavyweight artists, Augustynik is heavily inspired by one of the pound for pound greatest fighters in boxing history.
“My idol growing up was Roy Jones junior. Everything about him was so exciting and natural. His evasive skills were out of this world. I would try and box like him, but it didn’t work as I got hit too much. Now I like GGG it’s the way he sets them up, he’s a real thinker and he wears his opponents down and then stops them. I like to think that I have some of those qualities in me.”
Ahead of his eleventh professional fight, Pawel is still at an early stage in his boxing career and recognises that there is a lot of legwork to put in to achieve his ambitions.
“Right now, I’m training twice a day Monday to Friday, with one session early Saturday morning, followed by a sports massage in the afternoon, allowing plenty of time for recovery over the weekend. I train in my hometown Taunton to work on my conditioning and then I’ll travel 50 miles to Bristol to practice the boxing side of things.”
August, like most fighters, dreams of becoming a champion, but he’s aware of how the professional boxing scene works and the ladder that he must climb in order to reach that status.
“I have massive ambitions and I want to go as far as I can in the sport, but it’s one step at a time. I’m still very young for a light heavyweight so I would say in 5 years I want to be British champion and I’d also be at the right age to be potentially moving onto even bigger things.”
“In the short term, I’m hoping to go for a Southern area title.”
As Pawel progresses through the ranks, his following starts to grow, and this is something that every boxer needs to survive in today’s fight scene. Augustynik recognises the support and is eager to put on a show for those that pay to watch, until the very last bell.
“I would want my fans to know that they mean the world to me and essentially they keep my career going. It’s difficult to work your way up as a pro on small hall shows. If you don’t sell the tickets, you don’t box.
“As an amateur I wasn’t a show off who had lots of people coming to watch me box, it was only my family, so I’m grateful for the growing support that I have, and I love each and every one of them. One day I will be a champion for them.”
Read more on Sanigar Events HERE
Read More on A Passionate Ethic For All Things Boxing HERE
Read more on Aaron Sutton HERE
Read more on Jake Demmery HERE
Watch Pawel in action HERE
Pawel would like to thank is army of followers, supports and sponsors for their continued support:
“Boxing has taught me many things like self-discipline and focus and it keeps me off the streets. It’s really made me realize how important it is to keep yourself fit and eat well.
FIGHT SCENE CATCH UP WITH JAY MUNN
The self-proclaimed Rhoose Rhino: Jay Munn (3-0) has come a long way since hiding his boxing medical forms from his mother as he eyes an ambitious campaign in professional boxing after signing with experienced manager Gary Lockett.
Munn originally started his pursuit of combat glory in the sport of martial arts, whereby he competed as a youngster and achieved high-level status, until boxing presented itself. After making the transition from one discipline to another, the eager-minded Munn truly found his feet.
“After many years of competing at a high level of martial arts I was beginning to get bored of the sport. I kept walking past the boxing gym to get to my martial art class, I used to see the boxers always going in and out of the gym, then one day I finally decided to go to the boxing gym instead” said Munn.
“For weeks I was hiding it from my family (giving up martial arts for boxing) and a couple of weeks into it I was asked to get my medical sorted so I could fight, but she eventually found the form. It really wasn’t easy trying to convince her to let me fight, but when I stepped into that ring I knew from that day onwards that boxing was for me.”
Munn began his amateur boxing venture equipped with a youthful-mind and a competitive experience in the field of fighting. The Welshman persisted through the grueling training and challenging bouts and began to develop a sharp and intelligent style which carried him to new heights. In 2017, Munn grasped the opportunity to represent Wales at the 2017 Commonwealth Games, enjoyed various camps at the EIS Headquarters in Sheffield and won two ABA Championship vests.
Now a licensed prizefighter under Gary Lockett, the charismatic lad from Rhoose looks ahead to a long and exciting professional boxing career. His social media bio reads “I am De Roberto Duran of Rhoose” and in almost every post, the simple statement “I Am Rhino” re-occurs, a warning to his foes and a boast to his followers.
“Winning means a lot to everyone and everyone wants to be a winner, but what I love is the adrenaline rush, the raw of the crowd and the atmosphere which boxing brings. People should come and watch me fight because I’m exciting and I’m an old-school boxer/puncher, and there’s no better school than old-school. I can box at a distance and I can fight up close. Whichever, the Rhoose Rhino is coming.”
The part-time scaffolder and now professional fighter’s weekly regiment showcases the discipline and drive that fighter’s need to be able to succeed in such a demanding sport.
“Monday – bags & pads (9-10.30am), work till 5pm, Penarth ABC training
Tuesday – sparring at Gary Lockett’s Gym (Llanrumney Phoenix) (11.30am), work till 5pm, 5-6 mile run
Wednesday – agility, S&C, foot-work, hand-eye co-ordination (9-10.30am), work till 5pm, run
Thursday – sparring at Llanrumney Phoenix (11.30am), work till 5pm, run
Friday – S&C (9.00-10.30am), work till 5pm, cheat night (food and TV)
Saturday – run
Sunday – sauna session, recovery day”
Munn now trains alongside the likes of Alex Hughes, Chris Jenkins, and Nathan Thorley at Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing Club in Cardiff whereby his pedigree in the sport and desire to develop as a top-level domestic fighter is tested daily by world class operators. Current British Welterweight Champion: Chris Jenkins is among those who share a ring with the Rhoose Rhino daily, and under the 30-year-long expertise of Gary Lockett it seems only plausible that the Welshman will follow in the footsteps of his counterparts.
“I’ve got such a great team around me. I’ve got the guidance of Chris Davies and Gary Lockett who have both achieved so much in the sport and have all the experience needed to pass down to me. I’ve got connections across the UK, I’ve got my uncle: Neil Munn who always keeps me grounded and I’ve got the amateur experience to go with it.”
“Boxing has taught me many things like self-discipline and focus and it keeps me off the streets. It’s really made me realize how important it is to keep yourself fit and eat well. In the next five years I want some tough, hard domestic fights. I want the fights that everyone talks about.”
Munn sports a cheeky smile throughout most of his social media posts, has the look of a Josh Kelly type showman and appears to possess all the necessary skills needed to develop into a future champion. His newly found partnership with Gary Lockett, who has trained and managed multiple British champions seems destined to yield success, and alongside a stable of world-class fighters, Munn is not short of quality.
The Rhoose Rhino, the Roberto Duran of Rhoose, or whatever alias he may be called is on a collision course with the top prospects in the UK, in what promises to be an exciting and compelling journey for a fighter who has the appeal of the fans at heart.
“I believe my style is more suited to the pro game. I’m a bit of a slow starter and that was my biggest problem in the amateurs, most of my bouts were over before I could even have chance to warm-up. I’m a counterpuncher and it can take time for me to settle into the contest, although I can bite down on my gum-shield and have a real fight if it comes to it.”
It’s been a while since the likes of Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler or Tommy Hearns have graced the squared circle, and although the Rhoose Rhino continues to learn and develop, his hopes of becoming the next crowd-favourite can only excite domestic boxing fans.
Read more on The Rise of a Warrior HERE
Watch Jay Munn HERE
Read more on Nathan Thorley HERE
Read more on Lee Selby HERE
Jay would like to thank his loyal army of followers and sponsors for their continued support: Macron, Valco Scaffolding, MPOWERUK, Matthew Atkins Massage, Lyons Den Promotions
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