Born in Sheffield in 1985 and growing up in Norfolk Park in the city, John ‘Fireball’* Fewkes started boxing, and had his first fight, at the age of 11. Up until that point he’d played football but when the manager’s son asked him if he’d like to have a go at boxing, John jumped at the chance.
After a short stint with Hillsborough Boys Club, John began training at Sheffield Boxing Centre under Glyn Rhodes and had 70 amateur fights, half of which he won and half of which he lost.
John ‘Fireball’ Fewkes in action! Photo courtesy of The Sheffield Star
With a clear natural talent for the sport (but still having to work really hard, particularly on maintaining his ideal weight by his own admission!!) he turned pro at 19 and took part in 26 professional fights recording 22 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws. He won the coveted Central Area Title in 2006, and challenged for the English Lightweight Title in 2008 and was named Young Boxer of the Year in 2007.
John ‘Fireball’ Fewkes at Titans Boxing Gym, Sheffield
He established Titans Boxing Gym in Gleadless in 2016 and has since devoted his time to training both amateur and professional boxers and working with local youngsters to transform their lives by teaching them boxing and everything demanded to excel in the sport including discipline, good manners and morals.