Troy Jones boxes Leon Willings for the English light-heavyweight title

By Paul Webb

TROY Jones will get a shot at domestic glory when he boxes Leon Willings for the English light-heavyweight title on August 17th at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on BCB Promotions’ ‘For King and Country’ show.

The 25-year-old from Birmingham is unbeaten in 10 fights and made light work of his last opponent, the tricky Prince Oko Nartey, on May 10th, stopping him inside three rounds. 

Troy Jones vs. Prince Oko Nartey

This first title shot has come at just the right time for the Lee Beard-trained heavy hitter, and his promoter, Errol Johnson, has secured him a home advantage. 

“It will mean everything to me to win the English title,” said Jones. “I didn’t have an outstanding amateur career like some fighters did, so to get to this point is already a massive achievement, but it is only the start.

“It’s the beginning of another chapter in my career; the apprenticeship’s been served. I can’t wait to get in there and get the job done. There will be big things to come in my career, 100% through hard work and dedication.” 

Willings, meanwhile, has a record of eight wins and two losses, winning the Central Area light-heavyweight title in March 2023 with an impressive third-round stoppage of Jake Barton. 

The 23-year-old from Widnes followed that up with a wide-point win in their rematch eleven months later, but is most well known for taking Olympian Ben Whittaker the distance back in March (below). 

BEN SHALOM BOXXER BAD BLOOD FIGHT WEEK. THE O2 LONDON 31/03/2024. FABIO WARDLEY V FRAZER CLARKE. PIC LAWRENCE LUSTIG/BOXXER
(PICS FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY). LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST. BEN WHITTAKER V LEON WILLINGS.

The undercard sees the former European champion, Kirstie Bavington, back out for the second time this year as she builds towards another major title fight. 

The newly-crowned Midlands Area featherweight champion, Ryan Griffiths, will be in action in a non-title fight. Unbeaten trio Sian O’Toole, Nico Ogbeide, and Levi Vaughan complete the line-up. 

“I’m pleased to secure a major title fight and home advantage for Troy,” said promoter Errol Johnson. “He has worked hard and waited patiently for his opportunity, and he is up against a good opponent in Willings who will be coming to win.”