Britain’s Future Star Ticks All The Boxes
Leeds-born light flyweight boxer Jack Bateson, still in his teens, has yet another accomplishment under his belt after being successfully appointed as an England Ambassador for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Leeds-born light flyweight boxer Jack Bateson, still in his teens, has yet another accomplishment under his belt after being successfully appointed as an England Ambassador for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Currently training hard to be a member of the Great Britain team for the event in Glasgow next summer, Bateson has ‘very fond memories’ of the Commonwealth Youth Games in which he won a gold medal and vastly attributes much of his current success to that particular triumph.
Bateson stands alongside former badminton world champion Nathan Robertson plus Team GB’s outstanding gymnast and Dancing on Ice champion Beth Tweddle as an Ambassador to promote the Games, showcasing the British athletes’ commitment and ambition for success in next year’s competition.
Bateson has a starring role in the new Commonwealth Games England (CGE) video entitled ‘We Are England’, in which he is shown sparring and training in preparation for the games.
“Hopefully [the video is] inspiring other people to go to the Commonwealth Games, whether it’s next year in Glasgow or further in the future,†explained Bateson.
“Hopefully I can inspire others to be involved and make it their aim, like it’s mine.â€
In addition to his various medals and accomplishments in competitive boxing which has seen Bateson bring home handfuls of medals every year since 2011, Jack is also an outstanding ambassador for young people.
He began boxing aged nine and had his first fight aged eleven, but never neglected his education and passed GCSEs in ten subjects whilst boxing competitively.
He has since completed a sport-based course at Bradford College, achieving the highest grade possible in Triple Distinction and has since started a foundation degree in Sports Coaching.
In a current climate of a widely disaffected youth and criminal activity, Jack Bateson’s commitment and attitude is one of astounding maturity.
He commends his family’s support and the ‘many great people’ from his childhood growing up in Leeds.
“My dad has always come along to my tournaments and shows a lot of support," he said.
"He’s inspired me to go on and achieve at this level; I’d be nowhere without him, to be honest.â€
“I think everyone should respect each other,†he added.
“The impact of boxing is massive. It gets kids off the streets and teaches them how to be disciplined.â€
Jack Bateson will be taking to the ring again next week at the International Boxing Association World Championships in Kazakhstan, before returning home to continue training for the Glasgow Games.
