Manchester Recruitment Consultant Triumphs in Boxing Ring for Brain Charity
A recruitment consultant from Manchester has been honoured with a prestigious boxing award after stepping into the ring to raise vital funds for a brain charity, following a devastating neurological injury to his brother.
Brandon Jones, aged 22 and residing in Sale, has been named the 'Most Inspiring Participant in 2025' by Ultra White Collar Boxing, an accolade that places him ahead of more than 17,000 other competitors nationwide. His efforts have generated over £1,300 for The Brain Charity, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by neurological conditions to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
A Life-Changing Event That Sparked Action
The catalyst for Brandon's journey into boxing was a tragic incident involving his older brother, Mason, aged 23. In May 2024, Mason was hospitalised for a routine appendix removal procedure. However, the situation took a dire turn when he had a severe reaction to a drug administered to wake him from anaesthesia.
This reaction led to Mason fighting for his life, with a critical 45-minute period where his brain was deprived of adequate oxygen, resulting in permanent brain damage. Brandon recounted the emotional impact, stating, "It was awful - Mason is my big brother and I always looked up to him. He went from being his usual self one day, to being disabled for life the next. He's now essentially bed-bound. It was a real shock for me and the family."
Moved by the support his brother received, Brandon sought a way to give back. He explained, "I was on Instagram and I saw a post about Ultra White Collar boxing. I've never thought about boxing, but for some reason it jumped out at me. When I saw that participants could raise money for charity, I thought it would be a great way to do something for those who have helped my brother so much."
The Boxing Journey: Training and Triumph
Brandon embarked on an eight-week training programme at the Salford Striking Academy under the guidance of respected coach Jamie Fellows. Reflecting on the preparation, he noted, "The training was life-changing. I enjoy bodybuilding but boxing training was very different and I realised that while I was in good shape, the cardio you need for boxing is on another level. So even as a regular gym-goer, I got far fitter doing the training."
On November 29 last year, Brandon competed in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event at The BEC in Manchester, performing in front of a crowd of 2,500 spectators. He described the experience, saying, "I have always been a boxing fan but never in a million years did I expect to set foot in a ring - let alone have my name called out by an announcer, and walk out into an arena in front of 2,500 people under the spotlights. I really felt like a professional boxer for the night."
For his walk-out music, Brandon chose 'We Don't Play' by Manchester artist Bugzy Malone, a track he and his brother both enjoy. He was supported by a group of 35 people, including family, friends, colleagues, and his partner Jamie-Leigh Turner.
In a closely-contested match against George Blackman, aged 21, Brandon secured a unanimous decision victory from the judges, winning the first two rounds and performing strongly in the third.
Recognition and Impact
Participants in Ultra White Collar Boxing are typically asked to raise a minimum of £50 for their chosen charity, a target Brandon far exceeded. His dedication and inspiring story caught the attention of the organisers, leading to his selection as the 'Most Inspiring Participant' for 2025.
Brandon expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating, "It's surreal really - I only started training in October last year. By November I was in the ring taking part in a great contest and feeling really comfortable in there. And by January, I got a call from Ultra to let me know they felt my story was worthy of winning their award. It's been a great journey."
His brother Mason, who is able to communicate verbally, has followed the journey with keen interest. Brandon shared, "My brother couldn't be there on the night, but he loves looking at all the pictures and going onto my fundraising page to see how much I've raised. It means a lot to me that it makes him happy."
For those considering taking part, Brandon offered enthusiastic advice: "Simple - just do it. Go all out. Give it your all. There's no need to be scared - the trainers ensure you know what you are doing and you're matched up with someone of a similar ability. I couldn't recommend it more."
Ultra Events, the company behind Ultra White Collar Boxing, has raised an impressive £42 million for charity overall, with over £850,000 contributed specifically in Manchester. The next event in the city is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, with training commencing on February 16.
