An 18-year-old farmer from Thirsk is set to make his professional boxing debut in October after signing a contract with former world title contender Henry Wharton. Harley Lovell will train at Wharton's gym in York before fighting on a Leeds card later this year.
Joining a Winning Stable
Lovell joins a stable of established fighters, including Commonwealth champion George Davey, Nathan Shepherd, Jack Marshall, and Henri Cooper. The teenager, a former Thirsk School and Sixth Form College student, started boxing at age nine and has already achieved notable amateur success.
Harley said: "I'd boxed on Henry's shows several times and having decided I wanted to be a professional boxer his was the obvious gym. I immediately felt comfortable at Henry's as the style of training fits well with my boxing style. I'm in York frequently anyway and know the city well. I love training alongside established professional boxers at Henry's such as George Davey who recently won a commonwealth boxing title as well as Nathan Shepherd, Jack Marshall and Henri Cooper."
Amateur Pedigree
Lovell's amateur career included winning regional titles with Northallerton ABC, reaching a national amateur final while training in Billingham, and claiming titles across the region under the mentorship of Justin Anderson and Craig Carney. He also became a Yorkshire champion.
Harley commented: "I started boxing aged 9 at Northallerton ABC with Adrian Coe and eventually became a Yorkshire champion with them. I was also mentored by Justin Anderson from Darlington and with Craig Carney I won titles in the north-east including becoming Angel of the North champion at my weight. I also trained in Billingham and there got into a national amateur boxing final. The highlight of my amateur career."
Balancing Boxing and Agriculture
The young athlete manages a demanding schedule alongside his sporting career and daily agricultural work. He is finishing a level three poultry management apprenticeship while running a mobile petting farm business that visits local schools and care homes. His 12-year-old sister, Darcie, has also taken up the sport and trains at Northallerton ABC.
Harley added: "I've always loved my boxing aged 9 and have never looked back. It's like I can't get enough as the sport has provided me with structure and focus and made my physically fit. I particularly admire Mike Tyson for his aggressive style and skill and his apparent love of animals. My sister Darcie is 12 trains at Northallerton ABC and hopes to compete shortly."
Trainer's Praise
Gym owner Henry Wharton praised the young fighter's dedication as he joined the professional ranks. Henry said: "We've been impressed with Harley's commitment and enthusiasm, and we're delighted to welcome him to our stable of successful professional boxers. Everyone is keen to help this young man make a success of his boxing career."
Anyone interested in sponsoring Harley can contact him directly by email at harleylovell789@gmail.com, via Instagram @harleylovell729, or through his gym at henry@henrysgym.co.uk.
