Troy Jones is in no mood to hang around as he attempts to be fast-tracked through the super middleweight division.
He’s in action again at the Holiday Inn Queensway, in Birmingham city centre, on the evening of Thursday December 2, as part of a show staged by BCB Promotions.
He only made his pro debut on October 16, as part of a new stable of fighters trained by John Costello, a group that includes his cousin Brandon.
All of them are Brummies, who are based in Chelmsley Wood, and have been mentored by Costello since they were children. Jones is no different.
The 23-year-old represented Solihull Boxing Club, as an amateur, but reached two area finals and a national semi-final, in the NABC and England Elite Championships.
His unpaid record culminated with 12 wins from 21 bouts, but 11 of those victories came at senior level, after he returned to boxing from four years out.
Jones has yet to claim a title, but he can see that changing if he can make progress quickly in the pro ranks. His pro debut gave him cause for optimism.
Experienced adversary Daniel Borisov gave height away and rarely got past the jab during their clash, while being stung to the body himself when Jones attacked.
A points whitewash success from their four-rounder, scored 40-36 by referee Kevin Parker, reflected Jones’ dominance over the sessions.
He’s now looking to kick on by making it 2-0 before the close of the year, before resuming his efforts at the earliest opportunity in early 2022.
Jones said: “I was straight back into it, after my debut. I want to get busy and pick up where I left off. I did have a holiday, though, that was already booked.
“It was nice to get some winter sun but, in the seven days that I was in Cyprus, I kept up my running and did plenty of shadow-boxing. As soon as I got back, it was back to camp.
“It will be good to get my name out there again and show people what I’m all about. I knew, when I turned over, that I wanted to move quickly in the pro game.
“You only get experience by fighting and I only had a relatively short amateur career. I’ve been boxing since I was seven, but I drifted out of it for a few years.
“When I started, I was a chubby kid who was the last to be seen when it was time to do circuits. I liked sparring and I loved a scrap, so I was always getting into trouble at school.
“I hope to tell my grandchildren one day that I lost my first six, as an amateur, and went on to a be a successful pro. I see a bright future for myself, I’m in this for success and to win titles.
“I never actually boxed for John (Costello, current pro coach), I was with Solihull Boxing Club and went up against some top lads, in the championships.
“I may not have won national titles, but I know what it likes to take on quality opponents and I think that will stand me in good stead.
“I was happy with my performance, on my debut, and the win came from sticking to the jab. I’m 6ft 4in, so it suited me to keep it long, when he was looking to get in close.
“I hurt him a couple of times, too, with straight right hands to the body, but he was tough. There were other things that I wanted to do, though, which I’ll be looking to get in next time.”
Tickets for the Holiday Inn offering are available now, priced at £40 standard or £80 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
