James BovingtonEast Leeds brothers Thomas and Aidan Winstanley train together at Hunslet’s Golden Team gym and are looking forward to representing their club on Golden Team’s March home show fittingly themed as Brothers in Arms.
Thomas, 17, admits that until he started boxing training eighteen months ago ‘I was going off the tracks mixing with the wrong crowd. Our uncle Ryan had been training at Golden Team for two years and had won a local promotion’s title belt. He explained how boxing had helped him cope with addictions and turn his life around. He advised that if I knuckled down people would help and it’s true. I’d dabbled in sports, but I’ve fallen in love with boxing, although four weekly training sessions are hard. Now I want to win belts and eventually become a professional boxer with my dream being to be good enough for the ultimate test, a brutal twelve round battle at a major venue. Leeds Arena? One of a long series of tough and talented Leeds boxers to do so.’
Young brother Aidan, 16, is a business student at a local college and had done some boxing when younger. ‘It’s Thomas who’s motivated me to take it up again. I can’t wait for my first bout on our club show in March. If I do well, I’ll continue competing, but the training itself is beneficial. I supplement it with lots of running, what boxers call roadwork. Our mother says she’s petrified that we might get hurt but will support us whatever. We’ll be fine. It’s in our opponents interest to know how to defend themselves.’
‘I had two bouts last year,’ explained Thomas. ‘I lost the first to an experienced lad but won the second on November’s Golden Team show by unanimous decision. Three months on I’m feeling increasingly confident in my boxing. Aidan and I will both show just what we’re made of and prove how physically and mentally strong we are.’
Undefeated East Leeds professionals Koby McNamara and Jack Bagnall are role models for children like Thomas and Aidan who train alongside McNamara at Golden Team. McNamara, 24, and Bagnall, 28, are scheduled to contest their ninth and seventh paid bouts respectively on Leeds promoter Mark Bateson’s Elland Road show on 15th March.
Thomas and Aidan have four sponsors between them but need more to make progress. ‘We’re grateful to Whitkirk Cleaning Solutions, Alaw Burgers & Shakes, Aesthetics by Jo and The Golden Guy. Individuals and companies interested in sponsoring the boys or a bout on the March show should contact Golden Team on Facebook or at goldenteamp1@icloud.com or on 07432 297690. Owner Padraic McDonagh congratulated the Winstanleys ‘for fighting for the family name and dedicating their lives to train for a golden future.’
Golden Team’s show takes place on Friday 7th March at the Aria Suite on Woodhouse Lane with doors open from 6pm.
