When Luke Evans began to box 15 years ago, he never imagined that a career in the sport was on the cards, yet he is now gearing up for his eleventh professional fight.

The 25-year-old from Hattersley has had a rollercoaster of a journey so far in boxing yet has come out of the other end stronger than ever.

In 2017 he was enjoying a night out in Eccles before he was attacked by a gang of youths. This altercation left him with horrific injuries and threatened his future in sport.

However, he refused to let this stop him, as he began to heal himself both physically and mentally before returning to the ring.

“I found running to be an escapism. It not only has crazy health benefits, but it has so many mental health aspects too.

“I’ve struggled with mental health in the past and used running as a tool to get away from it all, I’d recommend it to anyone,” he says.

Luke has dedicated himself to becoming a professional boxer in the last ten years and has come a long way from the child that first entered the ring.

“When I was 10 years old I didn’t expect to become a fighter, I came in to lose a bit of weight and become fitter.

“My dad was a footballer, and I could’ve had a career in that sport too, but I just fell in love with boxing,” he says.

Luke is now set to have a successful career in boxing and is preparing intensely for his next fight on 12 September.

“I’ve had 10 professional fights so far and I’ve won all ten, so the record speaks for itself.

“I’m expecting big things of myself, and my team expect me to go far and win some titles. I’d love to fight on a big undercard one day and I think I could become a British Champion in the future,” he says.

During the pandemic, his training was halted due to the closure of the gyms but with the changes to restrictions, Luke is now able to get back in the ring.

He currently trains under Matthew Hatton at Magic Hatton Health and Fitness in Lower Bredbury and has built a perfect team to suit his needs.

“During my training camps I train twice a day, 6 days a week.

“I clock in the miles through running too and I like to run around Werneth Low and Glossop. We are blessed with beautiful views close to us being near to the Peak District too,” Luke says.

But for the Tameside athlete, the most important thing now is getting back in the ring and continuing to prove his worth.

Luke’s next fight will be at the Bolton White’s Hotel in Bolton and he is looking for all the support he can get ahead of this.

He will be supported by some incredible sponsors during this fight, from Remembrance Funeral Services to The Jerk Stop, LPG Scaffolding to BR Boxing and  MTM Sports Massage to Go Hard Gym Wear.

You can listen to our chat with Luke here: 

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