by Paul Webb
TROY JONES is looking to get a closer look at the light-heavyweight division when he faces Leon Willings for the English title on Saturday night at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, headlining the BCB Promotions ‘For King and Country’ card.
The 26-year-old from Tamworth has recorded an impressive 10-fight unbeaten run and six victories over the distance. Determined to prove himself, Jones skipped the Area title level to compete for home titles, and after a slight delay since his July debut, the Lee Beard-trained talent is set to step into the ring on August 17.
“The change of day didn’t affect me at all; “I have never been out of the gym, and this was a long camp with a lot of preparation as I want to be fully prepared for this opportunity,” he said.
“My coach is paying a lot of attention to my opponent, but I am not too worried about that, as I know very well that he will not be able to keep up with it physically and mentally. I like his style and the way he fights, but I have a lot of confidence in myself and my coach.”
Last time out, Jones made light work of Ghana’s Prince Oko Nartey, stopping him in three of the six rounds scheduled for him, and after several defensive-minded opponents previously, this fight gave Jones an opportunity to showcase his offensive talent.
“In training we focus a lot on defense and many opponents in my early fights just closed, so it was good to have someone to throw back, but when my shots landed I felt him lose strength and he was forced to stop,” he said. .
The long camp has seen him share rounds with two-time world champion Anthony Yarde, and the experience has reinforced Jones’ belief that he sees his future at that level.
“I’m a big boxing fan, so I watch all the fights every weekend,” he said.
“Going in with players like Anthony and taking apart the big names has been great, and my division is full of quality boxers. A lot of those guys are now over 30 years old and probably coming to the end of their careers or fighting at the world level, so I’m coming at a good time. Winning the English title will allow me to put my stamp on the light heavyweight division, and I want to thank Errol and BCB for showing their confidence in me, and I will pay my team back with a win on Saturday night.”
Due to limited seating, press authorization must be requested by email by Thursday.
Source link
