Birmingham’s Troy Jones was crowned English Light-Heavyweight champion at the Eastside Room Birmingham (17.8.24). The unbeaten twenty-six-year-old who has won all ten of his fights was taking on Leon Willings (23) from Cheshire. The show was promoted by BcB Promotions and was called ‘For King and Country’. Willings had won eight out of his ten contests stopping three of his opponents. Both fighters weighed in twelve stone six for this ten-round contest for the light Heavyweight English title with Marl Lyson reffing.
Cagey start to the first round by both fighters with both boxers having joy, Leon landed a nice heavy backhand which kicked Jones into action banging in some good shots and finishing the round strong. Jones took the centre of the ting in the second as Willings tried to box on the back foot, Jones controlled the round with some heavy combinations but didn’t have it all his own way as Willings landed some nice shots of his own. Willings picked up the pace in the third but Jones matched him landing some cracking combinations to the head and body, Willings had some success of his own with some nice uppercuts and body shots but Jones won the round.
A back and fourth, fourth round with both fighters landing with big combinations, a very tough round to call with Willings just edging it. The fifth was another back-and-forth round with dome big exchanges with Jones winning the round with a strong ending. Jones went to the body well in the sixth but Willings continued to fire back in a gruelling with sixth round, Jones winning the round. Jones fought the seventh on the back foot as Willings took the centre of the ring, Jones landed some nice combinations and finish the round strong to nick the round.
Jones looked tired in the eighth and it seemed like the sheer will to win was driving him on as he continued to land some nice combinations, Willings landed some big shots of his own but you had to give the round to Jones. Both fighters looked tiered in the ninth but it was Jones who was landing more of the telling shots, Willings gas his moments but Jones won the round. Willings went for it in the final round landing some big shots, Jones fought on the back foot well landing shot of his own but Willings continued to press just edging the round.
Judge Ryan Churchill scored it 97 to 93, Kevin Parker scored it 96 to 94 and Terry O’Connor had it 98 to 92 all in favour of Troy Jones. I scored the contest 98 to 92 Jones.
Dexter’s Thoughts
First thing, what a great fight both fighters can hold their heads high in this competitive contest. Jones won by unanimous decision and I had him winning eight rounds to two rounds but have to say all of them were competitive. His heart and determination won Jones this English title as he boxed well, battled hard, and ended every round strong to edge them. This is Jones's first professional title and the next step has to be going for the British. The Light Heavyweight division is one of the hottest weights in Britain at the moment so I think Jones may need a few more ten-rounders before he goes for that title. This was a great performance by Jones and a massive congratulations on claiming the English Light Heavyweight title I look forward to seeing him in the ring very soon.
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