About me

Coaching is a partnership.

I teach boxing as a skill to be understood, not a workout to be endured.

  • Since starting Barnburner, I’ve worked with hundreds of people of different ages, abilities and goals. That experience has shown me that boxing is something almost anyone can learn and enjoy when it is taught in the right way.

    Many of the people I coach have no intention of competing. They simply enjoy the challenge of learning boxing properly, developing skill and improving over time.

    I see boxing training as a long-term practice, not a short-term programme. I’m not interested in crash courses or quick fixes. Progress in boxing, like any skill, comes from patient and consistent work.

  • My approach is calm, encouraging and realistic. I will never ask someone to do something they are not ready for.

    My coaching is built around the HEIST Tactical Boxing System, a structured way of learning how boxing exchanges actually work.

    Training should challenge you, but it should also build confidence, develop skill and support your long-term health.

  • I have all the required qualifications to train you in a safe, welcoming environment.

    • I am a Level 2 England Boxing coach — this means I’m qualified to run my own gym.

    • I am an Onnit Certified Trainer

  • I found competitive boxing in my mid 30s.

    • I represented the Empire School of Boxing in the first ‘Masters’ division.

    • I then joined the club’s coaching staff, working with stellar coaches and talented boxers.

    • After 10 happy years at Empire, I started my own training service — Barnburner Boxing.

    • Boxing Well

    • Engie UK

    • Ernst & Young Global

    • Family Gateway

    • Northumberland PRU

    • Procter & Gamble

    • Teleperformance UK

    • Quorum Business Park

    • Rise North East

    • Girl Guides

    • The Sea Scouts

A picture of coach Neil
Contact me for more information

Testimonials

  • “If you're looking for an affordable 1 to 1 training session that's tailored exactly to your needs then Barnburner Boxing is well worth a shot. Neil is a very knowledgeable and progressive boxing coach with his roots set firmly in the old school ethic. He's one of the genuinely good guys.”

    Bob, Choppington

  • “Neil brings so much to each session that in the few months my daughter's been attending her confidence has improved and she's developed invaluable boxing skills and knowledge. In her own words the best thing she's ever started!”

    Jill, Bedlington

  • “Fantastic coach, top bloke and a pleasure to train with. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to get fit, to learn some boxing technique, build some confidence and to test yourself!”

    David, West Allotment

  • “Started with Neil about 3 months ago and I wish I'd started earlier! The 1:1 session format is ideal for someone like me who is just starting out and Neil is a top bloke who knows his stuff and is dead easy to get along with. Can't recommend highly enough.”

    Callum, Stakeford

  • "Ideal place for a beginner to learn boxing at an affordable price. It's 1 on 1 so you get the full attention for the whole session. Neil is a really good, very patient coach and he's really canny in general. I've been 3 times now and each time it's been the fastest hour as I'm enjoying it that much."

    Mark, Blyth

  • "Great trainer, knows his stuff about boxing skills and friendly to deal with."

    Michael, Ashington

  • "Neil offers a great professional service. His knowledge on the sport of boxing and eye for detail is visible from the first session. If you want to learn the intricacies of boxing, I could not recommend him enough."

    Jonny, North Tyneside

  • "Brilliant trainer, really good environment and couldn't be more helpful!"

    Matthew, Blyth

  • "Ideal place to train. Very professional and very friendly service. Top guy and very lovely with it. I would highly recommend Neil as your personal trainer."

    Christine, Blyth

  • Neil is great. The lessons are very detailed and he’s a great coach. I went as a one off and now find myself booking in every week.

    Olly, Blyth

  • Neil has massively improved my technique. His knowledge and understanding of boxing are top level. He’s really canny and great at adapting you to your own style, helping you find what works best for you. He’s also very complimentary and motivating, always bringing the best out of you. Would highly recommend him to anyone serious about wanting to improve their boxing.

    Wilfie, Blyth

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.