(Oil, Charcoal and Acrylic on Plywood 60 x 90cm)
(Framed and ready to hang, overall size 82 x 112cm)
 
This is a portrait of Joe Hughes who is probably Beeston’s only professional boxer.
 
I was able to spend the morning with Joe as he trained and I was impressed by the dedication he has to the training and his sport. This is an incredibly physical activity and his training regime is really gruelling.
 
I tried all the traditional poses with Joe; punching bags and adopting the traditional boxers stance, but they all seemed clichéd.
 
Joe suggested he wrap his hands as he would in preparation for a match, sitting inside a large tyre which is used during training at his gym. As he sat and wrapped his hands, he revealed the thoughtfulness and care which is also part of a boxer’s nature.