Grannan beats holder Smith to bag Yorkshire title on home soil
Jake Grannan delighted the home fans when he defeated title holder Ben Smith to claim the Yorkshire Senior 86kg Class B belt at Hebden Bridge Boxing Club’s home show last week.
Grannan earned an impressive victory over Smith, fighting out of the Firefight Gym, in front of a packed crowd at Mytholmroyd Community Centre and the Hebden Bridge boxer said: “I’m thrilled to have beaten a strong opponent who’s had 20 bouts.
"I started boxing well into my 20s as it was something I’d enjoyed watching and always wanted to see what it would feel like in a bout. Thanks to the coaches at Hebden Bridge ABC who thought I had potential and worked hard to help me realise it.
"I had my first bout in November 2022 and have since have now won six of my eight contests. I want to thank Clayton [Varey] and our other coaches who give up their time and share knowledge and experience to help us boxers.”
Coach Varey was thrilled by his fighter’s performance, saying: “Right from the start Jake put pressure on the opponent with some powerful shots to his head, which Ben was keen to avoid. By the second round both boxers were punching heavily but Jake just kept catching Ben with hard shots to his head and body.
"In the third round Jake took the fight by its horns, digging deep to apply tremendous pressure. Although the result was a split decision it was Jake whose hand was raised to become Yorkshire champion.”
Grannan, a 29-year-old motor trader who lives with his parents in Mytholmroyd, said: “I’ve nothing but admiration for boxers who put everything on the line and fight in front of thousands in a gruelling, punishing and frankly potentially dangerous 12 round battle.
"Those fighters show just what courage is. I’d love to step up to the challenge. Who knows?”
Varey also thinks it’s possible that Grannan could box professionally. He said: “Jake leaves no stone unturned in training and holds his own when sparring with vastly more experienced boxers.
He’s a very strong power puncher.”
For more information on boxing sessions at the Hebden Bridge club should contact Clayton Varey on 07818 234893.