Doncaster boxer wins middleweight title on Bolton show
Doncaster professional boxer Jake Goodwin returned from Bolton as British Boxing’s new Central Area middleweight champion, following a thrilling victory over Bury’s Marcus Tomlinson in what pundits hailed as “one of the most entertaining and exhilarating fights seen in years.”
Goodwin, 27, is a former Leeds Beckett University student who won two national university titles while completing a degree in physical education. He began boxing in Doncaster aged ten and has since amassed eight professional wins in just four years. He now trains in Garforth, Leeds, under respected coach Sean O’Hagan, working alongside fellow professionals Josh Warrington, Maxi Hughes and Will Harrison who recently made a successful defence of his welterweight title.
Both fighters weighed in at 159lbs for what was Goodwin’s first ten round contest. Tomlinson entered the bout as the defending champion, having claimed the belt only four months earlier with a third-round knockout of York’s Nathan Shepherd.
The fight lived up to its billing. Stepping up to ten rounds for the first time, Goodwin delivered a disciplined and well-conditioned performance. His accuracy began to tell by the fifth round as cuts around Tomlinson’s eyes worsened under sustained pressure.
After the fight, Goodwin praised Tomlinson’s resilience, saying his opponent showed “true heart” and “never looked for a way out” during what proved to be an explosive and crowd-pleasing contest.
Outside the ring, Goodwin works full-time as a primary school PE teacher in Doncaster and hopes his success will inspire young people to get more involved in sport. “One of my aims is to motivate the next generation,” he said. “Being able to take this title into schools and show students what can be achieved in boxing is quite a privilege. I was also pleased to have the opportunity to take the belt to show a group of cubs in Edenthorpe.”
Goodwin expressed gratitude to his existing sponsors Crozier Jones and Northumberland Warmth Company, but he will be targeting bigger titles and hopes to transition into full-time training. This will only be possible with increased sponsorship. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting his journey can contact him via Instagram: @Jake_Goodwin_Boxing or e-mail [email protected] .