Off Duty is an editorial portrait by British Vintage Boxing exploring who fighters are when the gloves are off. Through understated photography and off-beat conversation each portrait offers an intimate insight into the individual behind the public persona. This month's guest is British cruiserweight John Hedges.
The location is Castle’s; a legendary, family-run pie and mash shop on Royal College Street in Camden, London. Founded in the 1920s by Lil Castle, the iconic shop moved to its current location in 1934 and has been serving up classic minced beef pies, mashed potatoes, and parsley liquor for nearly a century. The traditional, utilitarian Pie and Mash shop is fast becoming a relic of the past with fewer than 45 surviving in London and with them a direct link to London’s past. Do yourself a favour, take a trip to Castle's for a slice of English history, a fine pie and a warm greeting from the wonderful Annie and crew.
Introducing John Hedges:
My name is John Hedges. I’m a 6ft 6 professional boxer from Takeley, Essex, training out of a London gym. I signed my first professional contract with Eddie Hearn at just 18 years old. Since turning professional, I’ve won the Southern Area title and gone on to win and successfully defend the English title, continuing to build my career in the sport. Currently 12-0 and will be fighting very soon for the British and commonwealth titles.
John wears the BVB 1963 Signature sweatshirt and 66 Squadron jogging bottoms
BVB: What’s on your bedside table?
John: Jug of ice water and a wedding photo.
John wears the BVB 1963 Signature sweatshirt and 66 Squadron jogging bottoms
BVB: Which book has influenced you the most, and why?
John: The holy Bible, I’m a follower of Jesus Christ and definitely feel like my faith has helped my career.
John wears the BVB 1963 Signature sweatshirt
BVB: What film never gets old?
John: Green street. Being a West Ham supporter I could watch this film 24/7.
John wears the BVB 1963 Signature sweatshirt and 66 Squadron jogging bottoms
BVB: What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?
John: Rum and raisin.
BVB: What song makes you get up and dance?
John: Casanova by coffee.
BVB: Who do you admire most, and what is it about them?
John: My wife, we’ve been together since my amateur days and she definitely takes away some of the pressure of being a pro boxer with the things she does for me on the daily
BVB: Who's made the biggest difference to your life without ever seeking credit?
John: All of my family and friends who have supported me all the way through my career.
BVB: What quality do you try hardest to live by?
John: Fortune favours the brave. I feel like in life you have to try and take risks to push on.
John wears the BVB Legacy sweatshirt and Boxers Battalion jogging bottoms
BVB: What's a simple pleasure you'll never tire of?
John: Eating good food.
BVB: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
John: My friend and coach Ricky Hatton gave me some very good advice on staying in my own lane and focusing on me. Nothing good ever comes from comparing yourself to others.
John wears the BVB Legacy sweatshirt and Boxers Battalion jogging bottoms
BVB: What object would you struggle to part with, not because it's valuable, but because of what it means?
John: My 2 rings. Ones my wedding ring and the other is a gold ring that my grandfather brought me.
BVB: What's a smell that instantly takes you back somewhere?
John: The smell of a full English breakfast definitely takes me back to my childhood, my grandma used to use about 2 blocks of butter to make it.
BVB: If you could invite four people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be?
John: Ricky Hatton, Muhammad Ali, David Attenborough and Elvis Presley
BVB: What does legacy mean to you?
John: Legacy to me is to be remembered as a fighting man who feared no one but a gentleman outside of the ring.
John wears the BVB Legacy sweatshirt and Boxers Battalion jogging bottoms
BVB: When you're completely off duty, who are you?
John: Family man.
BVB: Thanks John, where can people follow you?
John: Instagram: Johnhedges1 and X: Johnhedges_
CREDITS
Photography Jerry Abbott | Instagram @man_plus_fuji
Location: Castle's Pie & Mash. 229 Royal College Street, London NW1 9LT | Instagram @castlespiemash
