Wigan’s Joe ‘The Real Deal’ Peel earns England Boxing call-up
A 20-year-old Wigan boxer and his club are celebrating after he received a call-up to represent his country
Four-time North West champion and national youth title holder Joe Peel has been selected to represent England Boxing marking a brilliant achievement for the 20-year-old Wigan-born fighter and Elite Boxing Gym in Halliwell.
Peel, 20, has been named on the Senior Performance Squad, the elite amateur tier of the England Boxing pathway.
Places on the squad are earned through the National Championships and targeted Open Talent Days held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, making selection a mark of genuine distinction.
Peel now prepares for the international stage after impressing selectors with his performances at domestic level.
The call-up marks a new chapter for the talented boxer, who has trained throughout his career at Elite Boxing Gym under head coach Alex Matvienko.
The gym has become an established pathway for competitive amateur boxers in the region, with Peel its latest rising star to earn national recognition.
Alex Matvienko, head coach and founder of Elite Boxing Gym, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Joe and the club and members are so proud of him. Joe is a real role model and inspiration for many and shows hard work prevails.
“It’s not been easy for Joe but he has shown that he’s a great fighter already and will flourish so much more with the experience of boxing internationally and training camps.
“It has affected his training which we have already adapted around his new role and we are looking forward to seeing him regularly in an England vest.”
Peel’s place on the Senior Performance Squad reflects both the strength of grassroots boxing development in Bolton and his own sustained success at domestic championship level.
“As part of the squad, he will benefit from centralised training camps and international competition experience alongside some of England’s best amateur boxers.
For the latest on Joe’s England Boxing Journey, follow @joepeel06 on Instagram and @realdealpeel on TikTok