After Hours

did karate, I loved Bruce Lee, WWF wrestling, Lennox Lewis and Naz and I was a physical football player. Expressing myself artistically through the means of physical combat is something that I was destined to do. I have to smile though because this isn’t my side project.

I’m a full-time professional athlete, training 12x per week as well as being a full-time mentor and poet. Don’t ask me how I do it.

Poetry: I attended a PRU school (Pupil Referral Unit) for the final two years of my education and the first person to ever encourage my poetry is unequivocally my Year 10 English teacher, Sue Barnes. She was the lady that said “I saw this and thought of you” as she handed me the Young Poet Laureate application form.

I also love going into schools, working with young people and encouraging them to pursue their passions. And of course, my parents. From football to athletics to boxing to poetry, they have always encouraged me to pursue any and every interest that I have had and I’m so lucky to have the parents that I do. I’d be lost without them.

HOW COULD READERS FIND OUT MORE OR GET INVOLVED?

The best way to keep up to date with what I’m doing is via social media. You can find me using the handle @mattwindlepoet on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so please give me a follow. I’m very receptive on socials should you wish to get in touch.

I’m also looking for new sponsors to help support my boxing career during 2023, so if anyone would like to talk to me about a potential partnership then please get in touch.