A local schoolboy who once attempted to arrange a boxing league amongst his friends has now been commended in the school newsletter for his commitment to and success in the sport. Isaac Brewin, who competes out of Craven Community Boxing Club, has now won four of his five bouts and is looking forward to fighting for a title belt on the club’s second home show at the end of May.

“I still don’t really see what was wrong with the schoolboy fight club,” said a smiling Isaac, “as it was all organised with proper rules and well-matched bouts. My enthusiasm for the sport had started when I was nine during lockdown when I watched the Rocky films and then couldn’t stop myself constantly shadowboxing. I was delighted to put on my first pair of boxing gloves. They’re the best present a boy can have.”

Fast forward two years and at 15 Isaac is building a solid reputation on the local boxing scene as a tough, talented and courageous boxer. “It’s not quite two years since I joined the club, and I’ve come on leaps and bounds since with Mark Shaw as my chief coach. There’s nothing like being on a show, the chance to let people see how hard I’ve trained and prove what I’m made of as the opponent and I compete to decide who is tougher physically and mentally.”

“My first bout was at Barnsley Metrodome in front of maybe a thousand people. I was just 14 with my opponent, 16. I felt a bit nervous but also excited. I was confident following quite intense training and concentrated on showcasing skills learnt, controlling the range and using my jab well. It was an amazing experience at a quality venue. I’ve boxed there again, plus one, in three fights at small places in Skipton, Bradford and Morley.”

Mark Shaw set up the town centre club in 2024. “Isaac is an excellent student. He quickly showed aptitude, but his success is largely down to him listening well and being keen to improve his boxing IQ. That’s the ability to demonstrate the skills and technical details that make the sport boxing and not brawling. In the ring Isaac adapts and adjusts to his opponent, and he's highly enthusiastic and leads a stable of young boxers with younger ones for whom he’s already a role model.”

“This gym is my safe place,” added Isaac. “I’m at home here. I was ill last autumn and had a month away. I felt deflated, maybe depressed. My mental health immediately rebounded on my return, and that’s thanks both to the physical training and being with people of different ages and experience who share the same goals, helping me to build a positive mindset. A few friends from school have joined, and our involvement here keeps us safe from a whole range of problems, addictions and anti-social behaviour. I’d urge all teenagers to give it a go.”

Most parents feel anxiety at seeing their child fight. “I’m no exception,” said Isaac’s mother Emma. “But his dad Ricky and I, plus Isaac’s five siblings, are all so proud of his commitment and success in the sport he loves. I’m probably more nervous than Isaac before his bouts, but I couldn’t not watch. It’s clear that Mark cares for the boxers individually, which is what makes him such a good coach, and I know exactly where my son is and what he’s doing.”

Contact Mark Shaw on 07516 699939 or by e-mail cravencommunityboxingclub@gmail.com if you want tickets for the 30th May show at Skipton Hotel or are interested in training at the club or are potentially able to offer Isaac sponsorship.