The study shows the city has 2,676 online searches per 100,000 people for the sport – ranking it just behind Liverpool and ahead of the likes of Birmingham, Manchester and Blackburn.
The research by betting sites comparison site findbettingsites.co.uk analysed 60 major UK cities based on the number of times each city Google’s search terms related to an interest in boxing.
We thought it gave us the perfect chance to celebrate the fighters who have put Preston on the map, and it’s fair to say the area has produced some top talent over the years.
5. Michael Jennings
More associated with Chorley, Jennings was born in Preston. A hugely popular fighter in the area, the one-time British welterweight champion even challenged Miguel Cotto for a world title at Madison Square Garden back in 2009. Now a really successful trainer, of amateur and professional fighters, out of his gym in Coppull which he runs with brother Dave. Photo: John Gichigi
6. Phil Edwards
If we’re talking about Preston’s love for boxing this man sums it up. Not a fighter but one of the top referees and judges of recent years. The ‘third man in the middle’ began his career in 1995 when he decided to pursue a lifelong interest in the sport by taking up an active role within it. After taking his first tentative steps, he went on to become one of the UK’s most respected officials. While he has not refereed since 2020, he continues to act as a ringside judge. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
7. Jack Catterall
Not Preston, but come on, Chorley’s only just down the road. A fine professional career skyrocketed 12 months ago when most watching through he’d done more than enough to become undisputed world champion against Josh Taylor. After waiting and waiting it appears the Taylor fight will not happen anytime soon, so all eyes are on a meeting with WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis. Photo: Steve Welsh
8. Honourable mentions
Adam Little, left, is now a trainer after a professional career that saw him win the English title. The former Preston College student is from Kirkham. Preston-born Damian Chambers won the Central Area cruiserweight title back in 2020. And Mick Hall, another who has had personal and legal troubles, boxed on TV several times in recent years including a local derby with Blackpool's Jack Arnfield at the Guild Hall in 2017. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard