Former Commonwealth and European featherweight champion Jordan Gill says he ‘never felt out of place’ representing England with Indian heritage.
Gill, who is of half-Sikh heritage, has become a prominent figure throughout his 25 years in the sport, proudly representing both England and his Punjabi roots.
The boxer, from Cambridgeshire, made his professional debut in 2012 before going on to achieve numerous titles, including the Commonwealth Featherweight title, in a career inspired by his father’s own love for the sport.
Despite an impressive amateur career which included 93 fights, 85 wins and 60 knockouts, Gill’s father put his professional aspirations on hold due to family responsibilities and the lack of a local professional boxing scene.
Starting his training at the age of four, Gill consistently ranked among the top two in England during his amateur fights – whilst also achieving nine A’s in his GCSEs at school.
Gill’s grandfather, who immigrated from Punjab in the 1960’s serves as an inspiration for the boxer, who described his granddad’s experiences as ‘part of’ himself.
Reflecting on his upbringing, the 30-year-old acknowledged that while his mixed-race background made him stand out, he feels ‘very lucky’ to have grown up with the ‘best of both sides’.
He said: “I’ve always known where my family’s come from, and where the two sides meet.
“I know I’m not the normal guy at school, that’s a pure white English. And I’ve always been a little bit different.”
His professional debut, which took place on the Sky Sports undercard of Kell Brook vs Carson Jones, resulted in the boxer’s first of many victories – from winning WBA International titles to the Commonwealth Featherweight title in 2018.
Prior to his professional career, Gill represented his country and also won British titles – he expressed his sense of belonging when boxing for England as a mixed-race man.
“Growing up as kids, you know you’re different, but I always felt accepted, and I felt like I was part of the community.
“And so I never really felt out of place representing England.”
Amongst his career successes, Gill’s described his fight against Michael Conlan in 2023 as ‘the biggest highlight’ after stopping Conlan in his home city in the seventh round.
He said: “Everybody wrote me off. It was only me that believed I’d win.
“Everyone was looking at me as though, you know, this is Jordan Gill done, and I smashed the granny out of him.”
Reflecting on the highs and lows in his career, Gill opened up about an attempt to end his own life after losing his European title to Kiko Martinez in 2022 – which he revealed after beating Michael Conlan in Belfast.
He said: “I felt I was depressed, I wanted to kill myself. And I didn’t. I changed my life around.”
Gill has now turned his focus to shaping a future beyond boxing by opening a gym where people can be ‘a better member of society’ in Wisbech, alongside business partners Damien Pearl and Gareth Watts.
He said: “I think it’s always good to have plans for the future and have things that you can go into after. And boxing’s always a passion. Gym is always a passion.
“We wanted to make sure there’s something for everyone, a place where someone can come and feel welcome, be part of the community and be a better version of themselves.”
Gill’s journey serves as inspiration for the next generation of upcoming boxers, who he advised to ‘work hard and be disciplined.’
He said: “Make sure that no stone is left unturned. You don’t cut any corners. You know, boxing is a sport where you can really lose your life.
“Every time you step in that ring, you have to be willing to die to win. So take it seriously and be the best you can be.”
Featured image: Mural of Jordan Gill at BoxCross, Wisbech by Harleen Uppal
