‘War in Wakefield’ proves a big hit with high standard boxing on show

And the standard of competition displayed on his show ‘War in Wakefield’ at Unity Hall earlier this month suggests he is well on the way to achieving this ambition.

“The Unity Hall event was my fourth running WF Promotions and my first at what’s a major venue in our city. It was a sell-out.

"Our aim is to provide our semi-professional fighters who earn commission on ticket sales with an experience like that at a professional show. Feedback suggests this was achieved.”

Wakefield plasterer Bailey Morris, 21, is “grateful for the opportunity provided for me to return to the ring after a few years out and showcase what I can do in front of a local crowd."

He added: “I’m hoping eventually to join the ranks of professional boxers with Ric Bennett at Trinity Boxing Club.

"I didn’t overthink it, just threw myself into it and showed I still have the magic as I got the win over a determined and experienced opponent in Bolton’s Jordan Battel.

"I was proud to have my friend local professional boxer Codie Smith by my side. He’s a quality role model to emulate as he’s undefeated in 11 professional bouts.”

Jordan Grayston, 34, was a successful amateur boxer who won his one professional bout in 2023.

“I earn my living as a boxing trainer coaching Wakefield youngsters,” he explained. “I’m passionate about it. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to box for an enthusiastic crowd in my home city and was delighted to get the win over a South Yorkshire fighter Stuart Spartan.”

Knottingley boxer Matty Bolton was also delighted to open the show with a decisive win over Bradford’s Scott Porter as he produced some punishing body shots.

Robin Nielsen, 25, was one of several fighters representing Pontefract gym Yorkshire Gladiators.

He said: “I’m pleased to have won my fight with the highly experienced Leeds boxer Tom Doyle by second round stoppage.

"I’m a full-time car salesman who took up boxing four years ago to keep fit and now I’ve won six bouts. It’s done wonders for me.”

Robin’s teammate Danny Addy also put his opponent David Mellows under relentless pressure to secure a win.

The former Featherstone Rovers skipper and current Dewsbury Rams rugby league player was making his debut as a boxer.

Lee Loftus, 54, was proud to get the win over Billy Beard.

“I took part to honour the memory of my friend James Sharp who gave so much to the sport as a dedicated coach at the White Rose Boxing Club while raising five children.

"I wanted to box in his name and raise funds to ensure that the support and mentoring he poured into everyone can continue.”

Lee trained for his bout at the Max Clark Academy in Normanton run by Max Clark who is himself an active local boxer about to turn 19!

Three WF Promotions title belts were up for grabs and Huddersfield boxer Izzy Henderson won the heavyweight belt.

There was frustration for Wakefield area fighters Bailey Willis and Krzystof Urbanski who both drew their title belt fights with Jack Toye, from Leeds, and Rayo the Lion, from Romania.

The results mean that Bailey retains his 70kg belt and the 76kg belt remains vacant.”

Yorkshire Gladiators’ boxer Krzystof summed up the bout as “five rounds of intense and hopefully exhilarating action which pleased the audience.

"I am not unhappy with the result. Boxers are constantly on a learning curve and this was my first outing in 2026. I’ll be back to get that belt.”

Jack Sheldrake’s WF Promotions returns to Barnsley Metrodome for their final event of 2026 on October 24. Contact Jack WF Pro on Facebook or e-mail [email protected] for tickets.

Meanwhile Jack’s brother and professional boxing promoter Jordan Sheldrake has just put on his third show Legacy at the Metrodome and plans a fourth Barnsley event on December 5.