Troy Jones goes for domestic glory
by Paul Webb
TROY JONES is looking to put the light-heavyweight division on notice when he faces Leon Willings for the English title Saturday night at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, headlining BCB Promotions ‘For King and Country’ card.
The 26-year-old from Tamworth has amassed an impressive 10-fight unbeaten record with six wins inside the distance. Determined to prove himself, Jones skipped Area title level to compete for domestic honours, and after a small delay from his original July date, the Lee Beard-trained talent is raring to get in the ring on August 17.
“The change of date didn’t affect me at all; I was never out of the gym, and this has been a longer camp with a lot more prep as I want to be fully ready for this opportunity,” he said.
“My coach looks a lot at my opponent, but I don’t worry too much about that, as I know the best version of me he won’t be able to keep up with both physically and mentally. I like his style and how he fights, but I have every confidence in myself and my coach.”
Last time out, Jones made light work of Ghanaian Prince Oko Nartey, stopping him inside three rounds of their scheduled six, and after a couple of defensive-minded opponents previously, this fight gave Jones the chance to showcase his offensive talent.
“In training we focus a lot on defence and a lot of opponents in my early fights just tucked up, so it was good to have someone who threw back, but when my shots landed I felt him weaken and forced the stoppage,” he said.
This elongated camp has seen him share rounds with former two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde, and the experience has solidified 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.
“To to be in with the likes of Anthony and sparring the big names has been great, and my division is stacked with quality boxers. A lot of those guys are now over 30 and maybe coming towards the end of their careers or fighting at world level, so I’m coming in at a great time. Winning the English title will let me put in my stamp at light heavyweight, and I just want to thank Errol and BCB for showing faith in me, and I will repay my team with a win Saturday night.”
Final remaining tickets for ‘For King and Country’ are available now priced at £40 standard and £80 VIP from the boxers directly or by emailing [email protected].
Due to limited seating press accreditation must be requested by email by Thursday.
