Boxing Boys

I have just been sorting through some images in my archive and came across this project that I shot almost 10 years ago. The images feel very relevant to what I am currently working on so I thought it was timely for a post.  

 

All images © Kate Elliott

The above images were taken during an Amateur Boxing Association try-out in Thame, Oxfordshire. These boys start out young – as young as five – and in their pursuit of boxing are bound in a close-knit community. There is a huge pressure to succeed, but within the ring this macho passion contrasts with the boys’ youth and vulnerability. It was this contrast, that I was interested in exploring in my photographs.