Inside the Grind: Training with Jordan Shakur for His October 18 Fight

Last week I spent a few hours with Jordan Shakur, deep in the heart of his training camp for his upcoming fight on Saturday, October 18th in London against Tyler Dyer.

Walking back into a boxing gym after years away hit me hard — that unmistakable smell of leather and sweat, the rhythmic thud of gloves hitting the bag, and the sound of chains rattling from above. It pulled me straight back to my teens; those days where discipline, pain, and pride all lived in the same breath.

In one corner, Coach Mac Shumba from Team Sumba was in full command. “Come on — one more time!” “Okay, give me five more… now another ten!” Every time I thought the session was winding down, he moved the finish line again. That’s boxing — just when you think you’ve emptied the tank, there’s always more to give. The bell doesn’t save you; it challenges you. From the moment it rings, it’s just you, your opponent, and your will to keep swinging.

Artistic black-and-white boxing image showing motion blur of Jordan Shakur training with coach Mac Shumba.

Through my lens, Jordan’s focus was unshakable. His eyes locked on the target, sweat cutting trails down his back. The hunger was real — not staged, not for the camera — just pure drive. I barely had to direct a thing; if it weren’t for the few times my flash fired, I don’t think Jordan or Mac even noticed me there. It was all business, all heart.

Jordan Shakur focused during ab training in boxing gym, captured by photographer Carl Willett.

As I packed up, I realised how natural it felt bringing my two worlds together — boxing and photography. For a long time, I hesitated to merge them, maybe out of fear of mixing passion with work. But that day reminded me that when you truly love something, it shows in every frame.

Photography tells the story. Boxing writes it in blood, sweat, and breath.

Jordan Shakur mid-punch during boxing training session captured by Carl Willett in Southend gym.