James BovingtonYoung boxers from East Leeds are making a name for themselves in the ring and they credit their success to a Garforth gym run by some of Yorkshire’s best-known professionals.
United ABC, just a short journey from areas like Whitkirk and Cross Gates, is jointly owned by former world champion Josh Warrington and his father Sean O’Hagan. It has become a thriving hub for rising amateur talent who get the rare opportunity to train alongside seasoned pros like Warrington, Maxi Hughes and Jake Goodwin.
“Our boxers are enthusiastic rubbing gloves as it were with seasoned professionals. It’s obviously motivating,” said coach Charlie Hughes, who co-runs the gym. “Four have enjoyed success recently winning Box Cup competitions organised by England Boxing to which United is affiliated.”
Among them is 16-year-old Morales Price, whose brothers Hopey and Ellis are both professional fighters. He’s already built an impressive record, collecting five gold medals at various Box Cup tournaments.
“Box Cups last two or three days and clubs take boxers who compete against others of the same age, weight and experience. I’m proud that I’ve now brought home a gold medal from five, including recently from the Ed Bilbey Box Cup at under 57kg. I won the Midlands event twice. I also got a gold in Manchester and one at The Angel of the North Cup. It’s a great way to measure your progress. You make friends especially with boys that you’re competing against. In years to come we’ll likely fight again as professionals and hopefully as champions. Before that I’d like to qualify for Team GB’s 2028 Olympics boxing squad.”
Fellow fighter Charlie Robshaw, 15, makes the 25-mile round trip to train in Garforth three times a week. Since he began competing in 2021, he’s chalked up 25 wins from 30 bouts.
“I love it here learning from the coach and showing that I’m dedicated to boxing. I’ve also learnt how to protect myself. I like the fact that in the ring it’s down to just me. I love showcasing boxing skills learnt and proving that I have the heart and courage to win. This year I got to the national final at under 52kg. I didn’t win but it was a close contest. I’ve previously won three Box Cups. My ambition is also to be a professional boxer. When the time is right.”
Fourteen-year-old Brodie Varley, who lives in East Leeds, has boxing in his blood. His dad also fought, and Brodie is already a two-time Yorkshire champion at his weight class. He also took gold at the Manchester Box Cup last year and has twice reached the finals of the national schoolboy championships.
“I thought I could do this and now I’m the 2025 Yorkshire champion at my weight and was last year too when I also won Manchester Box Cup at 30kg. I’ve also been a national schoolboy championships finalist these past two years. I’m keen to be a pro boxer but would like to win an amateur national title first,” he said.
He added that training with Charlie and Morales keeps him motivated. “They’re a bit older and they’re role models. We love some friendly rivalry but don’t like dieting to make weight.”
Robshaw agreed. “Foodwise it can be challenging but winning is everything and no one can take away what we achieve.”
Coach Charlie Hughes, 30, boxed as a child and now juggles coaching with a barber job in Whitkirk. He’s also worked with young people in schools — but says the gym is where he’s meant to be.
“I became a head of year, but it wasn’t really for me. I best work with youngsters training them to achieve their boxing ambitions. The club’s named United because we provide an environment where children of all backgrounds can thrive. It’s massively rewarding. We’re grateful to Josh and his dad for providing the facilities and the inspiration.”
Hughes added that 13-year-old Archie Boyne is another promising young boxer at the club, having reached the national schoolboy semi-finals and won the Warehouse Box Cup.
