Red-hot talent Boy Jones Jnr. has been given a massive boost after training with his idol Ricky Hatton ahead of his next fight.
Jones, from Chingford, has been in Manchester with his mentor Dominic Negus training at Hatton’s gym as he prepares for his third pro fight on Friday 12th June at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, when he features in a four-round contest.
The 6ft super-featherweight is as thin as a pencil but carries explosive power in both fists following his first round knockout of Aaron Flinn inside a round last month.
All-action Jones landed a punishing left hook to the body that left Flinn in agony on the canvas unable to rise. The punch was reminiscent of his hero Hatton who’s trademark was his devastating body punching as he ripped through the light-welterweight division in his heyday.
The 6ft super-featherweight says training with the British great has given him such a lift that he can’t wait to return to action at the York Hall where the young talent makes his debut at the home of London boxing.
“It’s a fantastic experience for a young kid like me starting out in the pro sport to get to spend time training with a legend like Ricky,” Said Jones.
“He started out as an 18-year-old just like me with an angelic face and didn’t do too bad for himself did he!”
“Like a lot of boxers around my generation, Ricky was the main man and the boxer that everybody loved. What could you not love about him, he was down to earth, a man of the people, and inside the ring he was a tornado of punches and gave the fans what they wanted, knockouts, excitement and value for money,”
“He’s my idol so it was unbelievable to find myself staying in Manchester, training at his gym, with him giving me plenty of advice from his own experience and knowledge that he’s gained throughout his career and that’s inside and outside of the ring,”
“I suppose it’s like a young footballer talking to Ryan Giggs or Steven Gerrard, it’s such a fantastic lift. I mean, I haven’t achieved anything yet, I’ve only had two fights and I’m still wet behind the ears, but this experience has given me such a boost to my confidence.”
“There’s so much I’ve got to learn and going to these gyms and listening to the people who have been there and done it will help me achieve me dream of becoming a world champion.”
British legend Hatton, a former four-time and two-weight world champion, is really impressed with the young prospect and says he’ll be watching out for his angelic face in the future.
“What a cracking kid he is,” Said Hatton.
“I couldn’t believe it when he came through door of my gym. He didn’t have to open the door, he could have been posted through the letter box because he’s so thin and he’s got a face you just want to tickle instead of punch!”
“Looks are certainly deceiving because in the ring what a strong and powerful kid he is. For such a tall thin boxer he can wallop in those punches with such speed and accuracy and those body shots he digs in are absolutely wicked,”
“I remember being his age when I was starting out and being in awe of some of the greats of the day, but I hope my advice has given him some help in his career and my door or letter box is always open for him!”
“I’ll be following him closely and if he does what I believe he can do over the next few years, he’s going to be a star.”
Bushey hot-shot Miles Shinkin headlines the show when he takes on light-heavyweight gatekeeper Nathan King over ten rounds, in the Andy Ayling promoted event.
Chief-support on the show features the return of former Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Tony Conquest in an eight-round contest as the Romford ace continues on his comeback and aims to get back into title contention.
Explosive light-heavyweight talent Anthony Yarde follows up his dynamite debut and returns in a four-round contest. Powerfully built Yarde, from Ilford, blew away the normally durable Mitch Mitchell inside a round showing his incredible firepower with his fans eager to see more of the thrilling 23-year-old.
22-year-old Acton entertainer Prince Patel has his second pro fight and looks to show that he’s the real deal in the flyweights. In March he only needed 90 seconds to destroy Patrik Kovacs to signal his arrival in the pros and aims to continue in that form.
Leicester powerhouse Leon ‘Wonderboy’ Woodstock enters the professional ranks as he begins his reign of terror in the super-featherweight division. The 21-year-old leaves behind a short but explosive amateur career that saw him knockout 17 opponents out of his 20 wins from 24 fights and start his pro career in a four rounder.
Another red-hot prospect makes his pro-debut on the card, former Team GB talent and Repton ace Sam McNess opens his account in the pros in a four round contest. The Romford star will compete in the talent packed domestic welterweight division and aims to make an immediate impact.
Tickets priced at £40 and £60 are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
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