About me

I’m Neil Turnbull — a Level 2 England Boxing coach.

I’ve worked with hundreds of people of different ages, abilities and goals.

Experience has shown me that anyone can learn and enjoy authentic boxing skills.

I teach the sport in a way that reflects how it actually unfolds.

Neil Turnbull

  • I see boxing training as a long-term practice. Progress comes from patient, consistent work.

    I teach using the HEIST Tactical Boxing System — a structured way of learning how boxing exchanges work.

  • I discovered competitive boxing in my mid-30s and represented the Empire School of Boxing in the first Masters division.

    I later joined the club’s coaching staff, working with excellent coaches and talented boxers.

    After ten years at Empire, I started my own training service — Barnburner Boxing.

  • • Level 2 England Boxing Coach
    • Onnit Certified Trainer

  • I’ve delivered boxing training for organisations including:

    Boxing Well
    Engie UK
    Ernst & Young Global
    Family Gateway
    Girl Guides
    Northumberland PRU
    Procter & Gamble
    Teleperformance UK
    Quorum Business Park
    Rise North East
    The Sea Scouts

Interested?

If you are interested in 1:1 personal boxing training — get in touch.

Contact me
Contact me
Boxing days. 9st 10lbs.

Boxing days. 9st 10lbs.

Boxing days. 9st 4lbs.

Boxing days. 9st 4lbs.

With Les Welsh, my coach and mentor. A lovely man and an elite boxing mind.

With Les Welsh, my coach and mentor. A lovely man and an elite boxing mind.

It was an honour to wear the green and gold of the Empire School of Boxing

It was an honour to wear the green and gold of the Empire School of Boxing

With two of the Stewart brothers. Real characters.

With two of the Stewart brothers. Real characters.

Some of the 2010 Empire boxing squad.

Some of the 2010 Empire boxing squad.

With Leon Nicholson and Cameron Vuong. Two very talented young boxers that I was privileged to work with.

With Leon Nicholson and Cameron Vuong. Two very talented young boxers that I was privileged to work with.

In my early coaching days I kept my eyes open and mouth shut. I learned from the very best coaches.

In my early coaching days I kept my eyes open and mouth shut. I learned from the very best coaches.

With Big Tony after a win. My kind of boxer — a serious guy in the ring — a perfect gentleman outside.

With Big Tony after a win. My kind of boxer — a serious guy in the ring — a perfect gentleman outside.

Another win!

Another win!

Boxing community displays with my friend Mark 'Mez' Richardson.

Boxing community displays with my friend Mark 'Mez' Richardson.

Next generation!

Next generation!

Early Barnburner days.

Early Barnburner days.

Group training at Engie. The nicest of people. They helped me find my feet in my early solo days.

Group training at Engie. The nicest of people. They helped me find my feet in my early solo days.

Personal training. With former Newcastle Utd star Olivier Bernard.

Personal training. With former Newcastle Utd star Olivier Bernard.