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Ben Julian becomes Ripon boxing gym’s first pro
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Ben Julian has become the first fighter from Ripon Boxing and Fitness Club to turn professional.
Julian won a Yorkshire Elite Belt during a 36-fight amateur career in which he recorded 21 victories.
Now the 27-year-old electrician wants to light up the paid ranks under coach Ron Hopley and manager Henry Wharton. Both are former pro boxers, and York-based Wharton famously fought three times for the super-middleweight world title.
Julian said:
It’s the next step up. I feel like I’ve given a good account of myself in the amateurs and want to test myself at the next level.
I just want to have a go and see what titles I can pick up. I think the pro game will suit my style well.
Ben Julian signs for the pro ranks flanked by (left) Henry Wharton and Ron Hopley
Julian took up boxing relatively late aged 19 when he entered a charity fight to raise money for cancer research after his grandfather died of the disease.
He has gone on to represent Ripon Boxing and Fitness Club with distinction since it was set up in 2020.
Hopley said: “Ben is the first pro to come out of the gym. He’s very dedicated and he’s a southpaw so he’s awkward. He’ll be a good pro and he gives the youngsters here some inspiration. Ben’s a good role model, he’s such a nice kid.”
Julian hopes to have his first pro fight in Leeds on October 7, probably as a light-middleweight.
Ripon Boxing and Fitness Club, which is based at Core Fitness in Ripon, plans to stage its next amateur boxing show at Ripon Bowling Club on October 2.
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