York boxer Harrison Barker is eagerly anticipating his 20th birthday on July 18, but perhaps even more so the following Saturday, July 25, when he is scheduled to make his professional debut in the sport he loves, having achieved success in amateur competition for over seven years.
Journey to Professional Boxing
Harrison shared his path to boxing: "I played rugby with Leo Atang, who is now my stablemate at Legions Boxing Club. We are both coached by Ashley Martin. I guess I followed Leo to boxing, but I am glad I did because I have been successful in amateur boxing, winning two Yorkshire elite belts and five Yorkshire titles. However, I will continue my day job as an electrical engineering apprentice with local company Shy Construction, a well-known York firm."
Coach's Praise
Ash Martin, Legions chief coach, commended Harrison's amateur career: "Harrison has had a fantastic amateur career. He has won the majority of his 41 amateur bouts, only losing on close decisions to more experienced opponents when he was a novice or later losing on split decisions to national and European champions. He has reached national finals three times, winning once to become a national junior development champion. On the other two occasions, he lost on split decisions in finely balanced bouts. The end goal has always been for Harrison to join the professional ranks, and as his style is more suited to the demands of professional boxing, and as we now have the opportunity, we are taking it. Harrison is well known for his punching power and has consistently been a heavy hitter, picking up multiple stoppage victories. Pound for pound, this boy is just about the hardest puncher I have ever trained. He will deliver some exciting explosive performances in the paid ranks."
Amateur Coaching and Personal Life
Harrison has also qualified as an amateur coach and often attends shows with squad boxers to coach and corner them. He is a clubman in the gym who always works with others, offering advice and encouragement to those less experienced. A former pupil of Headlands Primary School and Joseph Rowntree Secondary School, Harrison lives with his parents and two brothers. "There is no history of boxing in our family. I love everything about the sport. I like watching fights featuring Ricky Hatton and also Canadian Italian boxer Arturo Gatti. They enjoyed having a scrap. Outside of boxing, I enjoy fishing and using my air rifle, in appropriate places of course. As a young adult, I am determined to remain a good role model for younger children."
Changes as a Professional
"There will be some changes as I box as a pro. I am already used to boxing without headgear, and I am looking forward to fighting with lighter gloves. I will also be ditching the vest, so hopefully fans will be impressed with the physique!"
Sponsorship and Debut
Novice professional athletes in all sports require sponsorship. "I appreciate the generosity of my current sponsors including Ebor Grab Hire, Luke Nutrition and Performance, Stonegate Paving and Groundwork, SHY Construction, NEAL Construction, Levendi Fits, York Groundwork Solutions, and Harrison Barnes. Other potential sponsors should message me on Instagram @harrisonbarker_ or e-mail harrisonb442@gmail.com, as should those wanting tickets for my debut bout." Harrison Barker's professional manager is Doncaster's Dave Allen, himself an active professional fighter. Harrison is presently scheduled to box Manchester's Josh Cook in a four-round super middleweight contest on Dave Allen's July 25 show at Doncaster Dome.
