Rotherham's Nathan Darby: A better boxer than his record suggests
He may be a self-confessed ‘journeyman’ but there is more to boxer Nathan Darby than meets the eye.
Rotherham boxer Nathan Darby views his role as a professional boxer as “providing young prospects with the best test possible as they develop their careers.”
Darby (26) joined the paid ranks early in 2024 and has since had 44 bouts. He said: “Right from the start I’ve been the ‘away’ boxer on small hall shows. I made my debut in a six rounder at London’s iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green. That’s unheard of.
“It’s what we call ‘small hall’ boxing where the onus is on the local, or ‘home’ boxer, to sell tickets. What he sells pays me. I’m a journey man and a successful one too travelling all over the country being paid for it. I’m in Essex this month and Hull in September. I get about.
“I meet quality opposition and this helps me keep sharp in my own boxing. The sport is my career. My day job is what’s termed a warehouse operative, but my main interest is the hours I spend as a boxing coach at Witters Boxing Gym. I’m from a boxing family as my dad Darren was a pro in the eighties and my grandad and great grandad on the Darby side too.
“I had my first training session on my 15th birthday at Ingle’s gym in Sheffield. Brendan Ingle of course famous on the northern boxing scene. That’s where I met Junior Witter and now, we run Witters together.
“Junior had his own distinguished professional career which lasted nearly 20 years with 43 wins. I’ve had a few wins and hopefully I’m better than the statistics suggest. There’s a bias in favour of the ‘home boxer.’ That’s how it is. Human nature. Everyone knows this. I’m happy with what I do. I meet so many interesting people. I might have a bout with a lad whose career then takes off, and I can think that boxing me helped make him the champion he’ll become.”
Rotherham born and bred Darby centres his life around his family. “My wife and I moved to Rawmarsh last year just before we welcomed our daughter seven months ago. She’s changed everything. All that we do is centred on her so that she does well. My family is more than everything to me. I’ve taken myself out of the equation and that’s where I’ll be for a long time to come. But I’m blessed,” he said.
“A couple of years ago I joined the Antiochian Orthodox Church. I’m from a family of non-believers but I felt the need for faith and did my research. This is the oldest church, and I reached the conclusion that it’s based on truth, and its traditions help me navigate the stresses of life in an ever-changing world. The teachings help me lead a positive life serving my family, so I’m blessed there too. Faith and family are my anchors.
“What I love about boxing and why I’d encourage anyone to give it a go is that there’s an honesty in the ring. Perhaps not in the politics of boxing but when it’s you and your opponent neither of you can hide. Everyone sees what you’re made of, and the discipline required teaches valuable life skills. I’m keen for my daughter to learn those skills. As to whether she competes that will be her decision. A decision that’s years and years away.”
Darby goes by the alias @The Invisible Man’. The BBC’s Nick Halling commentating on Darby in a bout described him as being “unhittable, he’s like the invisible man.” It’s stuck.
If interested in training at Witters Boxing Club call 07766 568005 or contact via Instagram @wittersboxingclub. The club is situated on Chesterton Road, S65 1SU.