Ema and I were recently invited to paint the world renowned St Thomas’ Boys & Girls Club in Wincobank, Sheffield – where more boxing champions have been produced than anywhere else on the planet thanks to the unique training style of Brendan Ingle who took over the gym in the mid sixties.
His success stories include the likes of Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham, Johnny Nelson, Junior Witter, Ryan Rhodes, Kell Brook, Kid Galahad, Richard Towers and of course, Prince Naseem Hamed.
Here’s some shots of our mural + additional portraits by Theo Simpson. The scroll on the painting says “Your Hands, Your Feet, Your Voice” – Brendan’s own words of wisdom, which refers to his maverick approach of getting students to sing while they train as a means to coordinate their movements and stay focussed.
↑ Johnny Nelson
↑ Junior Witter
↑ Kid Galahad
↑ L-R: Richard Towers, Kid Galahad, Johnny Nelson, Abraham Homer, Leigh Wood, Sam O’Maison, Junior Witter.
Special thanks to Bridget Ingle for organising everything.