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Bunbury loses a sporting star

South Western Times

BUNBURY lost a prominent sporting figure on Monday with the death of Denning Boxing Gym coach Peter Stokes.

Stokes had been battling terminal cancer for more than a year and lost the fight at about 3am on February 5.

The 45-year-old is best known for his role as head boxing coach to WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight Champion Nathaniel May and a range of other fighters, including “Danger” Daniel McGlashan and Alex “Sweethandz” Hanan.

Nathaniel May and Alex Hanan with Pete Stokes before their fights last year. The trio were in the middle of a fight camp when he died on Monday.
Camera IconNathaniel May and Alex Hanan with Pete Stokes before their fights last year. The trio were in the middle of a fight camp when he died on Monday. Credit: South Western Times

Stokes played a pivotal role as a strength and conditioning coach to a number of athletes, including Olympian Lauren Reynolds and racewalker Lyn Ventris, as well as the players from the Bunbury Football Club where he helped them to win the 2017 South West Football League premiership.

Peter Stokes held a number of fight nights in Bunbury, with proceeds going to various charities.
Camera IconPeter Stokes held a number of fight nights in Bunbury, with proceeds going to various charities. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/South Western Times

But the man known as “Stokesy” was not just a coach to athletes. Alongside his wife Jodie Cross, he helped many people in the region lead fit and healthy lives.

Pete Stokes was not just a boxing coach, but had a degree in Strength and Conditioning and worked with world class athletes right here in Bunbury.
Camera IconPete Stokes was not just a boxing coach, but had a degree in Strength and Conditioning and worked with world class athletes right here in Bunbury. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/South Western Times

Stokes had a range of jobs over the years, including as a hairdresser, working on minesites and even playing the drums, but boxing was his true passion and he worked hard for 11 years to build his dream gym in the South West.

Pete Stokes and Nathaniel May train in Bunbury back in 2013. Pete was always proud of his young fighter, who has become one of the best featherweight fighters in Australasia.
Camera IconPete Stokes and Nathaniel May train in Bunbury back in 2013. Pete was always proud of his young fighter, who has become one of the best featherweight fighters in Australasia. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/South Western Times

Pete is survived by his wife Jodie and three children, Jordan, Ashley and Amy.

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