Bantams starlet Bobby Pointon did boxing as a youngster

Pointon has been a knock-out success for City in his breakthrough season in senior football.

And the teenager credits boxing as a lad for helping him adapt so easily to the disciplines of the pro game.

Pointon started boxing at Platinum, the club of current pro fighter Darren Tetley, before moving to Rourkey’s Gym in West Bowling.

“I boxed for five or six years and got quite decent,” he said. “I started boxing for Yorkshire but then I got a scholarship and decided to take football and pack boxing in.

“I started when I was little at 36 kilos and I think I finished at 58. It was pretty strict with the dieting and things like that.

“Dieting in boxing is really important so you don’t get over your weight.

“Whatever they are telling me to eat and the nutrition, I’m already used to the discipline side of it.

“Boxing has helped me with that. I’ve been doing it since I was about 10 or 11.

“It helps with discipline. Every day I’m working my hardest in training and games and I think that’s come from boxing because it was a tough session every single time you go down to the gym.

“I keep in touch with a few of them. There are a few younger lads who are doing well now and they’re coming up winning titles.

“I just can’t wait until a few of them break into professional boxing.

“I did really enjoy boxing as well but football just got the better of it. I had a word with my family and chose football.”

City were happy to encourage Pointon’s dual sporting interests during his formative years in the academy as he adapted to the physical demands.

“It definitely helped me,” he added. “My family and I saw differences straight away with my robustness and confidence.

“My confidence went from zero to 100 when I started fighting and competing. We started seeing improvements to my football game and the club saw that as well.

“The club were really supportive when I used to do it when I was younger. It’s really improved my game.”

Bobby Pointon boxed for Yorkshire as a youngster (Image: UGC)

Pointon made his seventh start – and 10th appearance of the season – in City’s midweek loss at MK Dons. He is still pinching himself about making such an immediate impression for his boyhood club.

“I didn’t expect to be starting so quickly at all. But I’m obviously buzzing with that, it’s what I wanted.

“It has been a shock but I’ve got to deal with it and keep enjoying it.

“I don’t usually set too many goals, I just go game by game. Obviously, I’d love to score more and assist more goals but I just want to take every game by the scruff of the neck and really kick on.”

The lad from Low Moor is also becoming a bit of local celebrity as his face gets more familiar beyond Valley Parade.

“Sometimes I am recognised,” laughed Pointon. “There are a few kids who want photos and signatures and I always give them my time.

“It is still fresh and feels a bit weird but I’ve got to deal with it. I enjoy doing it, to be fair, because that was me when I was younger.”

Pointon’s team-mates certainly appreciate that they have a new talent in their ranks. He feels part of the group – but is not going to take any liberties.

“When you’re young, it helps loads if seniors rate you. I feel like they do and that I’ve fitted in really well.

“They are really good with me – and I can take the mick out of them to a certain extent.

“But I can’t give it too much because they’ll put me in my place.”