Poxton has eyes on an English title fight after causing major upset
Craig Poxton celebrates after beating Boy Jones with, from left, JonThaxton, promoter Mervyn Turner, Matt Smith and Graham Everett. Picture: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo - Credit: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo
The sky's the limit for Craig Poxton after the Lowestoft boxer produced the performance of his life to win the Southern Area super-featherweight title.
The 28-year-old took the title away from the previously unbeaten Boy Jones Jnr in a bout that has been dubbed the fight of the year so far.
Poxton maintained a ferocious pace throughout the contest and he got his reward in the final round, forcing a stoppage with just 30 seconds left.
The victory was made all the sweeter given Poxton fought for four rounds with a bad cut above his eye but he didn't let it affect his concentration to secure the win. 'I get cut every time I fight,' he said with a smile. 'But I keep going. Nothing will stop me. Come hell or high water he wasn't stopping me.'
Poxton is fortunate to have the Walsh twins, Liam and Ryan, to help with sparring and revealed that earlier in the evening he had spoken with Liam.
'I share a gym with the Walsh brothers and it is a pleasure,' added Poxton. 'I had a call earlier from Liam and having someone like that to spar with it helps so much.'
Trainer Matt Smith revealed Poxton will take a bit of time out to let the cut above his eye heal. However, Smith hopes Poxton can get another shot at the English title after losing to Andy Townend last year.
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'Craig is in a nice position now – I believe that's the first ever boxing title to come back to Lowestoft,' he said. 'We need to give the cut a bit of time to heal so I don't want him sparring for a few weeks. He does get cut easily so we need to give that time to properly heal because we can't afford for that to open up again.
'But I think he should be fighting for the English title again. We will wait and see what comes along. (Manager) Graham (Everett) advises us and we are always all in agreement over the way forwards. Graham's is the phone that rings with offers. If an English title fight comes up then we would jump at it. Craig will fight anyone.'
A week after his victory, Smith couldn't hide his pride at his charge's win given he had been battling a chest infection in the run-up to the fight. 'Training on Lowestoft beach in January with a chest infection shows the level of commitment. He thoroughly deserves this success,' said Smith.
