South Yorkshire Times February 14, 1959

Wins all five Contest with Knockouts in First Round

Eighteen-Years-Old James Trevor Sandland may become one of the most promising Mexborough-born heavyweight boxers in years, for James, who has only been in the game since he joined the Royal Marines three months ago, has won all his five contests by knock-outs in the first round.

James eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Mary Sandland, 65. Highwood, Road, Mexboro”, joined the Marines for nine years in November, a few days before his eighteenth birthday. Stationed at Deal, Kent, he has represented his unit five times.

Over Six Feet

James, 6ft. 2ins. tall, weighs, about 14 stone. During the past few weeks he has been training two hours a day for his next fight, which is scheduled to take place at Portsmouth this week-end.

His father, Mr. Harry Sandland (40), a miner at Kilnhurst Colliery, told a “South Yorkshire Times’ sports reporter this week that although James had been keenly interested in football, swimming and weight-lifting, he had never tried his hand at boxing until he began his service career.

“We were quite surprised,” Said Mr Sandland, “but it looks as though he’s going to be quite good at it.”

Footballer, Too

James writes home regularly and in his letters says that he is “liking” his life in uniform. His last letter contained an inscribed medal, which he gained at his last contest.

He was a member of Mexborough Youth Centre “B” football team for two years and previously played or Mexborough Dolcliffe Road and Roman Terrace Schools football teams.

James was employed at Mexborough railway depot for 17 months prior to joining the armed services. He first started work at Manvers Main Colliery at the age of 15.

His last leave was at Christmas and he will be seeing his parents again shortly after Easter when he “passes out” at Deal training centre.