Boxing

Nottinghamshire has a long and proud history in boxing, producing some of the finest boxers the UK has ever seen. From the legendary Carl Froch to emerging stars like Leigh Wood, Nottingham continues to be home to world-class boxing talent. Discover the stories of the county’s boxing heroes, past and present.

Leigh Wood

Leigh Wood is one of Nottingham’s rising stars in professional boxing. Born in 1988, he has made a name for himself in the super featherweight and featherweight divisions. Wood claimed the WBA Featherweight title in 2021 after a stunning victory over Chinese boxer Can Xu, solidifying his place in boxing history. Known for his exceptional skills and powerful punches, Wood is one of the most exciting talents in British boxing, and fans are eagerly following his career.

Jawaid Khaliq, MBE

Local lad Khaliq defeated the holder Willie Wise to claim the IBO World Welterweight title at Nottingham's Harvey Hadden Centre in June 2001. Born in 1970, Jawaid entered the professional arena relatively late in life with his debut in 1997. His career record stands as follows: Total fights: 25, Fights won: 23 (KOs 13), Fights lost: 1, Fights drawn: 1. 

William ‘Bendigo’ Thompson (1811-1880)

Bendigo (1811-1880) was a bare knuckle fighter born in Nottingham in 1811. He achieved the honoured role of Champion of England in 1835. And in 1855 Bendigo was entered in to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame. His name originates from the fact that he was called Abednigo by his mother when he was born. He was an exceptional fighter who was scientific, quick and tricky. He fought from a left-hand stance but could shift quickly and hit hard with both fists. Bendigo was also an all-round athlete who was agile in movement and a fast runner.

You can now get closer to the life of this boxing legend on The Bendigo Story – Guided Walking Tours. This guided tour is led by trustees of the Bendigo Memorial Fund, who will take you to a number of significant and historic locations.

Carl Froch

Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch is a four-time world champion professional boxer from The Meadows in Nottingham. He stared boxing from the age of nine and later joined the Phoenix ABC in Gedling, Nottingham.

As of 1 January 2013, he is the best British pound for pound boxer; out of 33 matches spanning a 11 year career, Froch has won 31 with 22 KOs to his name. His most recent achievement cemented earlier this year by a superb 12 round winning turn against Danish opponent Mikkel Kessler and saw him retain his IBF super-middleweight title.

On 16 October 2014, Froch was officially honoured as a Freeman of Nottingham. He will join an illustrious list of local legends to have been handed the honour, including Brian Clough, Sir Paul Smith, Alan Sillitoe and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.