Category: Fighters

RHYS EDWARDS

Post author By f/s
Post date January 30, 2020

“The biggest thing that boxing has taught me would have to be confidence. That’s a big one for me. Its really given me a self-belief and made me feel stronger as a person and I think that has really helped me get to this stage today”.

Following family tradition is often a prominent thought in the mind of a youngster eager to impress their parents. It’s a concept which has kept fighting families alive for generations and one which has produced some of the most prolific fighters to enter the squared circle.

The name Spinks, Marquez, Mayweather, Klitschko, Chavez and Hilton all originate from families bound by gladiatorial allure. They have become synonymous with the sport, as the people in the bloodline have become synonymous with the domain.

No matter the size or level of the fighting family, whether it be an underground bare-knuckle tradition or a world championship name, the honor in carrying the family torch is insurmountable.

Welsh prospect; Rhys Edwards (10-0) is the newest generation of fighting men to lace up the gloves.

“My Grandfather boxed in the Royal Marines and my father was a great amateur, and I’d always wanted to follow suit. I wanted to be like them” said the 19-year-old.

“Growing up, I used to love Joe Calzaghe; it amazed me how he was able to dominate Jeff Lacy like he did and that was something which really attracted me to the sport”.

The eager-minded kid from Tonypandy who they now call Rhys Lightning, was drawn to the sport from an early age, and much like his father would begin his campaign as a vested amateur in the Welsh national circuit. It wouldn’t take long for Edwards to ascend the rankings and capture the attention of Gary Lockett, who quickly snapped up the prospect to add to his prestigious stable at Llanrumney Phoenix ABC.

Now a licensed prizefighter with both the resources and skills required to make the grade at international level, Edwards is already looking to become the first member of the family to hoist a world title around his waist. In 2019 alone, the Super-Featherweight fought a staggering seven times, winning all his contests in convincing fashion, stopping two of his foes within the distance.

“I’m feeling good. Really good infact. I’m training twice a day, six days a week, sparring with the British and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight Champion (Brad Foster), Mick Conlan and Chris Jenkins, getting high-quality rounds in consistently and putting everything into these camps”.

Edwards, who is still only 19-years-old, appears to be making all the necessary sacrifices needed to become a champion. More often that not, young fighters with limited experience all have the same mentality; to get through each fight as it comes. Although the Welshman still understands the importance of staying grounded within such a turbulent sport, there is no disguising the far-reaching aspirations that the youngster has.

“My plan for the end of this year is to capture a Welsh title. From there, I’d be looking to secure the British title at some stage, but its definitely a case of taking things as they come and not looking too far ahead”.

“If everything goes according to plan, in the next five years I want to be a Super Bantamweight World Champion. I’m fighting at Super Featherweight now, but I know for a fact that I can make the 9 stone limit and it does make sense to go down in the near future”.

Since lacing up his first pair of gloves as a youngster eager to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, the sport has given the Welshman a fortitude of purpose in which Edwards has managed to transcend the achievements of his childhood heroes and begin writing his own story. In all of the lessons that boxing has taught him, Edwards credits his mentality over anything else in his early rise to domestic contention.

Not only has boxing given him the personal characteristics fit for a champion, it has also correlated an able fighter who has shown glimpses of brilliance in the nine fights in his career to date. Rhys “Lighting”, who has since lived up to his alias, employs a sharp, European style jab that is intelligently used to craft openings and opportunities for credible power shots, which have resulted in four of Edwards nine opponents to fall at his feet. Much like his father, the Welshman carries a strong amateur pedigree in which the basics of his craft have been exercised to optimal condition, and with the help of experienced trainer Gary Lockett, these skills are only able to flourish further.

“In my last contest, I stopped my opponent (Stefan Sashev) with a lovely body shot. The second it landed I knew that he wasn’t going to get up. It was certainly an amazing feeling but focus quickly shifted to the next opponent (Jonny Phillips), who is a step-up in class for me. I still know I’ll beat him though; I would’ve beaten him in my debut really, I’m going to box his head off. I know I’ve got a fantastic jab and I plan on stopping him like the rest of them”.

Rhys would like to thank his army of followers, fans and sponsors for their continued support: Roof Top Tiling Wales, LMT Academy of Performing Arts plus many more

Read more on Roof Top Tiling Wales HERE

Read more on LMT Academy of Performing Arts HERE

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Fighters

TYLER DAVIES

Post author By f/s
Post date January 30, 2020

“Boxing helped me a lot growing up. It taught me how to stay disciplined not only inside the gym but, outside as well.”

At 25-years of age and three years into the fight scene, Tyler Davies has been brewing up a storm in the South West of England.

The Bristolian’s most recent triumph came against a durable Rhys Saunders in a four round contest that saw Davies move up to seven victories in seven appearances and heading into 2020 with a clean slate.

But, where did it all start for Tyler?

Like most professional fighters his roots date all the way back to his youthful years, a time spent delving into his personality, figuring out his own interests as the transition from boy to man takes place.

“Boxing started out as just something to do for me and it only really got serious when I started to develop a buzz for it, the sort of buzz that I’d never felt from playing football or rugby, which I did a lot of back then.”

“Boxing helped me a lot growing up. It taught me how to stay disciplined not only inside the gym but, outside as well.”

Inspiration plays a huge role in the lives of young fighters, especially within boxing. So, who is it that Tyler looked up to and what posters hung above his bed during his younger years?

“My idol growing up was Ricky Hatton. I loved the man’s style and his aura in the ring, you just knew that it’d be an exciting fight is he was involved. In today’s game I think Tyson Fury in an inspiration. His comeback was nothing short of sensational, and the way he got up off the canvas after taking a punch from the most devastating finisher in the fight scene was incredible.”

Looking back over what has been a short career so far, Tyler has dazzled on several occasions but, one moment stands above the rest for the 25-year-old.

“The highlight of my career so far has to be when I made my professional debut in front of all my friends and family. So many people came out to support me, which was amazing. It gave me such a buzz.”

As well as inspiration, motivation plays a key role in the success of a professional fighter and Tyler needs that drive to keep ticking over and over.

“I motivate myself by staying focused and keeping myself in the gym. I always want to perform my best and give my fans good value for money when they come to watch me fight so that keeps me motivated. I also have goals I have set for myself and I focus on that.”

Warming up and dealing with pre-fight nerves is one of the biggest challenges to overcome in the professional fight scene, each fighter has their own unique way to get pumped before a fight or even to stay calm cool and collected. Which methods does Tyler implement into his game?

“I normally just try and stay relaxed and focused before a fight rather than getting too pumped up. My walk out music is all of the lights – Kayne West, this comes from watching the Kell Brook and Golovkin fight and the reception the song got. The next walk out song may change in the future though.”

With a current record of 7-1-0, Tyler is showing great determination to progress through the ranks and to make a name for himself in the lightweight division.

“This year I want at least 10 victories. Looking beyond that, I’ve got my sights on becoming the British Champion. Anything that comes after that would be amazing.”

Tyler wrapped up with a token of gratitude to his fans for buying the tickets, making the journey and coming out to show their support for him.

“ I just want to give a massive thank you for continuing to support me, the reception i get when i walk out for fight night makes all the stress and graft worth it.”

Mason Jones

Post author By f/s
Post date December 5, 2019

MASON ‘THE DRAGON’ JONES

“The first mistake you made was signing the dotted line with my name at the top….try not to make any more.”

Ursula K. Le Guin said “It is one thing to read about dragons, it is another thing to meet one.” This couldn’t have been more true for Aleksi Mäntykivi, who stood across from one at the main event of Cage Warriors 108 in Cardiff.

Mason “The Dragon” Jones set the Viola Arena alight as he walked out to a jubilant hometown crowd. Welsh through and through, Jones confidently swaggered down to the cage wearing the welsh flag draped over him like his second skin. Facing a solid fighter and strong striker in Finland’s Mäntykivi, someone very capable of taking Jones’ unbeaten record away from him. However, with momentum on his side and a skillset envied by most in the lightweight division, the Welsh support would always see their man across the line as he headlined the card.

“Fighting in Cardiff is indescribable,” Jones says. “Not only is it the capital of Wales, my home, but the crowd is always electric. Everyone’s roaring and shouting your name, whether they’re looking for you to succeed or fail, they’re all watching me.” Off the back of two big wins, Mäntykivi wasn’t the only fighter in the cage with momentum. A test that would further teach us about Mason Jones as a fighter.

Jones went on to produce a stunning win in the main event, and couldn’t have looked more at home with the bright lights and keen eyes watching on. With one of the most mature performances of his career to date, Jones starting the bout exchanging shots on the feet, and began to feel his striking started to damage the Fin.

“At end of the first round I thought I was going to finish him on the feet after rocking him on 3 consecutive occasions,” he says. “I got a bit overzealous and traded without being as clinical, and ended up with a cut.”

Emphasising the mature head on the shoulders of a fighter still evolving, Jones admittedly recognised the cut had the potential to cause him some grief, and opted for other skills in his well-rounded arsenal to take the fight an alternate route. With a feeling of regret in not securing the finish with a kimura in deep, a lesson was learnt that night for the young Welshman. “After that (the cut) I obviously took him down, secured the Kimora but started to run out of time. Looking back, I made a few mistakes that cost me the finish. Mistakes I won’t be making again.”

The fire in “The Dragon” is only going to burn with greater potency as he continues to fight hard and train hard. Big opportunities to train at one of THE most famous gyms in the MMA world, Team Alpha Male, certainly won’t hurt his chances of developing into one of the world’s best fighters either.

Team Alpha Male is primarily based in California, and has been represented by fighters like former UFC Bantamweight Cody Garbrandt, Urijah Faber and Chad Mendes to name a few. “Training at Team Alpha Male is exceptional, there’s close to 20 UFC/Bellator/One Fc fighters on the mats at one time,” Jones says. “I’ve found some amazing sparring partners there that have really pushed my game to the next level, I will definitely be going back soon.”

A fighter with huge plans for his own future, this is a perfect environment to be in for a fighter with gold on his mind. Surrounding himself with top fighters at Team Alpha Male will help refine the young fighters’ abilities and help him climb his way to the top of the division.

“My ambitions for the future are to fight my way to the top of the UFC Lightweight division and destroy the best they have to offer. Set myself up with a solid investment portfolio and make a nice exit when the time is right and I’ve accomplished all my ambitions.”

Fulfilling ambitions of greatness requires a winning mentality, and even at the age of 24, Jones possesses maturity beyond his years in knowing what is required of him to achieve what he wants in the sport. “I motivate myself by reminding myself of my goals, how far I’ve come and how far I’ve still got to go before I’m the greatest fighter in the world.”

Having just faced a fighter like Mäntykivi and won, becoming great in modern MMA goes much further than attitude and heart. It is becoming more common that every fighter on the roster can now compete in all aspects of the game; whether it be wrestling, striking, submitting.

A well-rounded skillset can ultimately prepare any fighter for what comes through the cage door, and Jones can pride himself on this mantra with Cage Warriors wins via TKO’s, submissions and decision victories. “Everyone at the top is mixing it up and have a well-rounded style,” Jones says, and highlights some differences he’s picked up on between British fighters and those fighting out of the USA.

“I do think that wrestling in schools gives Americans a slight advantage against most fighters but I’m really starting to see a lot of fast, fluid movement strikers rising to the top.” Travelling to Team Alpha Male and mixing up his training will only surround him with top versatile fighters, and as young man still on a journey to reach the top, it is a perfect way to make that climb. “There’s levels to this game and I’m nowhere near peaking,” he says.

Now 8-0, Jones has surely put himself in a position to contend for the Cage Warriors belt in the near future, and exuberates confidence discussing the year ahead.

“In the next 12 months I’m going to keep fighting the best fighter’s I can, win the belt & vigorously defend it,” he says. “At the end of 2020 I’m looking to sign with UFC and start my climb up the ranks.”

He doesn’t look like a man feeling an ounce of pressure from his own expectations, and looks man-made for the MMA life, everything seemingly taken in Jones’ stride. From answering questions, fighting under the bright lights and training hard like a rookie preparing for his first bout.

His love of the game is the motivation, and fortunately he’s got the talent to springboard off his passion. “Winning alone isn’t something I really put much thought into,” he says. “I visualise beating opponents and overcoming their strengths leading up to fights. I love the work, the walk out and the fight itself more than anything else.”

This makes for interesting viewing. A guy who loves the graft, the fight night and everything that surrounds it. Many fighters have come and gone due to not being accustomed to the big stage, and flopping as a result of it. Yet Jones is become a fighter for the occasion, with every one of his fights becoming known for being fought at a high-paced level, pursuing a finish and noticeable hunger for a raised hand at the end of the bout. “People should come to watch me fight because I belong in the cage, my fights are exciting, violent and fast paced,” he says. “I look to constantly finish my opponents and I promise you it’ll be a night you won’t forget.”

Like his fight night performances, Mason “The Dragon” Jones is becoming truly unforgettable. A man on a mission, ready to leave a lasting memory on the best the game has to offer. “I want to fight the best in the world and dismantle them.”

Mason would like to give a massive thanks to his sponsors, supports and army of followers for their continued support: P&P Builders, Tatami Fightwear, Patent Seekers, PKE Nutrition, Hilltop honey, sd Sealants and CCS Scaffolding, 15000v, Rogue Tattoo Parlour, The Lion Hotel & Restaurant

Mason Jones TKO of the year 2018 Watch HERE

JACK SHORE

Post author By f/s
Post date November 21, 2019

“When it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as one of, or even, the best Welsh MMA fighter there as ever been!”

JACK “TANK” SHORE

From conquering the Cage Warriors bantamweight division, to dominating on his UFC debut in Denmark, there’s no surprise that 24 year-old Jack Shore has been labelled as the next big thing to come out of Britain. With former UFC welterweight contender Dan Hardy being one of many to suggest he can become the next superstar in the sport, and that Jack can be the one who can give Wales its first UFC world champion.

It has been a huge 12 months for Jack, this time last year he had just continued his undefeated form after beating Weslley Maia to go 9-0, and had his sights set on a showdown with prolific wrestler Mike Ekundayo for the vacant cage warriors bantamweight title.

After comfortably beating Ekundayo, and then defending his bantamweight title, Jack and his team decided now was the time to move into the UFC, and it wasn’t the first time he had been offered to fight in the organisation. At 3-0 the UFC had come knocking on the Shore camps door, with Jack chomping at the bit. With more experience to gain inside of the cage, Jack and the team decided the best move was to stay with Cage Warriors for the time being to continue his education.

“It wasn’t that tough of a decision,” Jack says. “My coaches and manager always have the final say on my next move, so they took over. It was without a doubt the right decision.”

This was something that his father and coach, Richard shore, reiterated. Richard describing the decision as “a really good apprenticeship for him, so when he (Jack) was to go to the UFC, he would go in with a bang. We feel that the decision has been justified after that debut performance.”

Jacks debut performance in Copenhagen proved that his experiences under the bright lights of Cage Warriors had given him the foundations to perform on the UFC’s big stage, and not get caught up in the occasion.

Nohelin Hernandez, a dangerous striker coming out of the American kickboxing academy in California, would be another brilliant fighter to be bested by the former Cage Warriors champion, as Jack went in looking like a UFC regular as he wore his opponent down. “Camp was perfect. We pushed harder than before and prepared very specifically,” he says. “I trained with the same coaches and team as always. I have 100% faith that they can take me to the top of the game.”

Jacks faith proving to be right, as a thorough training camp for the fight the key to victory, leaving no stone unturned to produce, arguably, one of the most dominant UFC debut performances that a British fighter has produced. Jacks grappling proved too superior as he received no answer from Hernandez as the Welshman worked the opening to find the space for a submission victory, via a nasty neck crank. Having done all of the hard work in the build up to the fight, he couldn’t have been more pleased with how the tactics paid off, with the order of the bout going exactly to script. “The fight went perfect,” says Jack. “The game plan was to wear him down and use my striking to set up the takedowns and look to pressure and finish on the ground.”

Praising the atmosphere in Copenhagen, not to forget a special mention for his welsh following, the crowd at his first UFC event proved to be a memorable one.

“The atmosphere was unreal, all the local fans were loud too. I was first fight of the night but the noise felt like a main card fight,” says Jack. “I can’t thank my fans enough; they’ve played a massive part in my career. When people talk about my fights and say how good the atmosphere is, it’s all down to my fans. They’re a crazy rowdy bunch, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With Jacks barmy Welsh army already making plenty of noise, the big debut win has further validated the hype around the Welshman. Now set up for a big year, Jack looks to remain undefeated and turn more heads as he outlines his hopes for the next 12 months.

“Hopefully a few more UFC wins and finishes,” he says. “Pushing closer to being one of the top contenders is the aim”.

The expectation surrounding Jack is almost non-existent in is mind, as he continues to follow his familiar trend and look at things with an old head on young shoulders.

“Obviously the hype has helped push me to where I am, but I don’t read too much into it, I stay grounded and humble.” All the blood, sweat and tears invested into every fight is nothing short of worthwhile, as the motivation lies in getting his hand raised for his team. A typically humble response from a very grounded man, regardless of the limelight starting to shift towards him as his career continues to gather more momentum.

“Winning a fight is just a reward for months of hard work and sacrifice by myself, my coaches and my team,” he says. “Winning and doing everyone proud always keeps me working hard and motivated.”

The hard work has paid off for Team Shore; the transition from Cage Warriors to the UFC has fortunately gone as flawlessly as Jacks MMA career so far.

“Cage Warriors always treated me well and looked after me,” says jack, “but when you’re with the UFC, you can tell you’re in the premier league of MMA. They can’t do enough for you from the minute you arrive, until the minute you fly home.”

Jack looks at home amongst the elite of MMA, a sense of accomplishment for the Welshman, and a feeling that the dream he has worked towards for so long is finally becoming reality. The MMA path set out for Jacks journey had a scent of inevitability about it, with the bright lights of the octagon always the fateful destination.

“ For as long as I can remember I’d always dreamed of being a professional MMA fighter and fighting in the UFC. It’s something I’ve worked towards all my life,” he says. “I’m glad it’s paid off for me and my coaches.”

Teamwork makes the dream work, and the understanding between Jack and his coaches seems to be one of the pieces to his success. The watchful eye of dad, Richard, plays a key part of the coaching team and provides the elite skills of Jack with the grounded environment he continues to learn in.

A family feel with Richard and the team will always mean a professional eye is critiquing Jack, with the fortune of his dad having the emotional investment to monitor his physical and mental state.

Jacks admiration for his coaches truly shows the family unit they have built at Shore MMA.

“ I’d like to thanks my coaches; Richard Shore, Carl Parker, Gary Lockett, Kru Hehem, Greg Callow And Darrell James, and all my teammates at Shore MMA,” Jack says.

His admiration’s also lie elsewhere, but for a fellow fighter that Jack is hopeful he will meet in the octagon further down the line. “One of my favourite fighters ever is Frankie Edgar,” he says. “So who knows, maybe that fight could happen down the line now he’s moving to bantamweight.”

Bigger and better fights will certainly come calling more frequently for Jack and his team, in what is expected to be a massive future for this rising star. The optimism and momentum for greater things is apparent now more than ever, as Richard (Jacks father) announced the opening of Shore MMA Gym. “This new facility has got 144 squared metres of matted area, a strength, conditioning and fitness centre, full sized competition cage all under one roof,” he says. “The reason we’ve gone for it now is because it is the right time to go for it with Jack having such a good debut in the UFC, which has bought a bit of attention to us.”

This A-grade facility at their disposal will give the Shore camp the ideal hub to continue to develop more world class fighters like Jack, as well as offer its services to people of all abilites. “The local community will have somewhere to train in a world class facility, hopefully getting others involved will help grow the business. I’d love to do this all the time and hopefully inviting people of all levels and backgrounds to become involved will help us to focus on this full-time.”

Richard has credited Jacks approach to the sport after an excellent UFC debut, a big reason behind his growth and unbeaten career so far. “The nice thing is that he always wants to learn, we’ve had people in the past who have tasted a little bit of success and then don’t want to take any information on board from the coaches,” Richard says. “Jack constantly wants to learn, he’s never out of the gym. He had a couple of days off after the fight due to an infection, but he’s been back training 2 or 3 times a day ever since.”
“His desire to improve is brilliant. You’ve never got to chase him up about training – the fact of the matter is that he loves it. The old saying is “If you find a job that you love, then you’ll never do another days work in your life,” and he knows he’s been lucky in that respect.”

The sky is the limit for Jack “Tank” Shore; a passionate team, a tremendously talented fighter, a growing following and the Shore MMA Gym to springboard on from. The bantamweight division better stay wake, as this welsh tank has the arsenal to fire its way to the very top of the division.

Watch Jack shore Documentary HERE

Jack would like to thank his girlfriend, family, friends and army of supporters. Also sponsors and his team for their continuous commitment: Batch Plant, DJC Build, Refuel Nutrition, Tatami, Candour Talent

Kieran Gething

Post author By f/s
Post date November 21, 2019

“Boxing has helped me a lot in my life though, to centre my natural aggression and to build me physically and emotionally. I think it has had a massive impact on my character too, always wanting to be bigger, stronger and smarter than my opponents.”

FIGHT SCENE CATCH UP WITH KIERAN GETHING

“I Started boxing at 12 years of age. My brother took part in a session and was getting bullied by other kids there. Being the older brother I wanted to help, but in reality I was a bit of a wimp and couldn’t do so much!”

In a domain where violent prowess is the key to victory and weakness the poison for failure, there is an idiom that every fighter should know.

‘ It’s not about getting knocked down, it’s about getting back up ‘

Kieran Gething’s (9-2-1) start to professional boxing took a turbulent beginning, whereby his first three contests were shared over each of his tally’s: 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. It was by no means a disastrous start, but it was something that the prospect from Pontypool was hoping would take a stronger path.

Fast-forward to June 2019, and Gething’s shaky beginning seems a distant memory, after capturing the Welsh Super Lightweight Championship in just 10 fights.

Along Gething’s journey to domestic kingship, there were dazzling performances against classy operators, where the 25-year-old displayed tactful development and a real ability to box with intelligence. But rather than credit one of his two stoppage victories as his most important outing as a professional, Gething regards his loss to Tony Dixon (10-2) as the underlying recipe for his incredible turnaround.

“The (Tony) Dixon fight is definitely my favourite. I learned a hell of a lot about myself and the sport in my losses, and how I need to approach contests. I wouldn’t say losing is a good thing because it feels terrible, but it definitely helps you grow and improve as a fighter. I knew that fight was a hell of a watch and I really enjoyed being a part of it.”

Gething’s battle against the former Super-Lightweight Champion (Dixon) was a bout which had everything in abundance. It was a fight in which Gething, despite losing on the scorecards, displayed both an ability to box and a willingness to trade leather against a formidable opponent. After settling into a six-fight win streak since his initial loss in March 2017, it was also Gething’s first opportunity to achieve silverware as a prizefighter. The Pontypool boxer’s personal narrative was beginning to take a similar shape to the late Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2), whom despite losing his professional debut would go on to capture three world championships and become one of the sports most formidable contestants.

After failing to get the nod from the judges however, Gething would fall short for the second time in his career. But rather than stew in the bitterness of defeat at an important stage in his career, Gething found value in defeat and has since showed the resilience needed for a long reign as champion.

“I’ve learned so many things, from knowing my own body and how to make weight easier to learning how to pace a fight differently and how to deal with injuries. I know when I need to peak as a professional fighter”.

After falling short against Dixon in his first attempt at the Welsh title, Gething channelled his inner Rocky and took on Henry Janes in February 2019 for the vacant Super Lightweight strap, this time emerging triumphant in a unanimous victory. Yet again, the Welsh fighter displayed an incredible ability to learn from past misfortunes and in doing so has culminated a prestigious domestic title in just 10 fights as a professional.

This was never the endgame for Gething however. Despite his miraculous start to life as a professional, the 25-year-old looks ahead to a Commonwealth clash in the near future.

“I’d like to fight for the British and Commonwealth title now, the winner of Akeem Ennis-Brown and Philip Bowes appeals to me. I want to be world champion”.

The number thirteen proved it’s notoriety once again for being an unlucky sum as Super-

Lightweight Champion Kieran Gething was held to a draw in his thirteenth professional contest.

Capable challenger: Jeff Ofori (10-1) was faced with the task of boxing the Pontypool champion

off the back of a convincing defence against Craig Woodruff in June, but much to the surprise of

the champion, Ofori was able to grind out a split decision draw.

“I definitely thought I’d done enough to win so I’m not very happy with the outcome of the fight.

I thought I did a really good job of keeping Ofori long and controlling the pace throughout the

rounds” said a frustrated Gething.

Despite the judges being unable to separate the two combatants, Gething still holds his BBBoC

Welsh title and once again gains valuable experience on the road to potential stardom. Now 9-

2-2, the Welsh prizefighter continues his reign over domestic competition and continues to

develop all areas of his game, one which hasn’t been short of setbacks.

“Looking back on it, I did actually think the fight went well. There wasn’t a game-plan as such

against an opponent like Ofori because he was so unorthodox but I was still able to keep him at

range and do enough to win the rounds. To get the victory taken away by a referee’s nod is

frustrating but I’m sure in myself I did enough to win”.

As many previous champions have shown, even the best of the best in Muhammad Ali, these

very setbacks are often the secret recipe for future success, and if there’s anything to judge

Gething’s growth on, it’s how he is able to come back stronger from pivotal moments in his

career time and time again.

Gething still holds the marbles in Welsh super-lightweight boxing, and is eager to test himself

against the best there is to offer.

The very best fighters all suffer defeat in one way or another. Albeit there are anomalies like the great Rocky Marciano, the skillful Floyd Mayweather, and Gething’s native Welshman: Joe Calzaghe, sometimes the greatest lessons a fighter can experience are in defeat. For Gething, there has been no excuses, only improvement. Now the acclaimed Welsh Super-Lightweight Champion, the future is looking increasingly prosperous for the man who just doesn’t take no for an answer.

Gething: “I feel the best I have in 12 months or more and look forward to showing you!!”

Watch Kieran Gething Promo HERE

JAKE TINKLIN

Post author By f/s
Post date October 24, 2019

Boxing has really helped with my confidence and has brought me out of my shell much more as an individual”.

They often say, “don’t meet your heroes”. Often people are disappointed, they are left wondering why they are so different to what they envisioned, why they didn’t fulfil their expectations and how they became ordinary once the initial excitement passed.

Much like many other fighters who grew up idolizing the sport’s most famed athletes, from the mainstream to the niche, from the Muhammad Alis and Mike Tysons to the Emanuel Augustus’ and Dave Allens, Jake Tinklin (6-0) grew up hoping he would one day be as good, if not better than his native idol: Gavin Rees (38-4-1).

The professional fighter from Risca (Tinklin) came from a boxing family who were accomplices of the former Welsh world champion (Rees) and ever since Tinklin was a youngster he had wanted to follow tradition.

“I first got involved in boxing through my father’s friend: Jamie Weetch. At the time he was a well-known amateur from Cwmcarn ABC and has now moved to Australia and competes as a pro. Me and my other five siblings got introduced to the head coach: Gary Butcher and we’ve never looked back since! Boxing has really helped with my confidence and has brought me out of my shell much more as an individual”.

After getting his first taste for the sport in the Welsh amateur circuit, Tinklin quickly began to develop and attract the attention of domestic coaches looking for a prospect to start working with. It wouldn’t be long before the young and ambitious Tinklin would yield the attention of his idol, and now trainer.

Gavin Rees: “I’ve known Jake’s family all of my life and that’s how I first came to meet him. I’ve been working with him for four years now, we’ve been very unlucky not to get Welsh titles in the amateurs and Jake (Tinkin) has boxed a load of brilliant lads. I think the pro system suits his game to a tee, he might be used to the fast 3-round pace of the amateurs but once he settles into the 6-8 rounds he’ll really do well”.

The 22-year-old welterweight had the early ambition to be recognized as one of Wales’ most prestigious fighters, he wanted to be held in the same stead as the Calzaghes, Wildes, Selbys and most importantly his chosen favourite: Rees. At the age of 18 and still competing as a top-level amateur, Tinklin would bare arms with the very man who brought him to the squared circle.

“My dad used to take me to watch him (Rees) fight all the time and is still my boxing idol today and even better he’s now my trainer. Dreams do come true!”

“I have to thank Gavin (Rees) for being such a great friend and mentor to me. He puts so much

time and effort into me and I’m really thankful for him. His training is so hard and he doesn’t let

you stop, but that’s what you need in this sport”.

By the age of 18, Tinklin had already achieved one of his most important goals in the sport. Since they formed an allegiance in the amateurs, Tinklin and Rees have been working together ever since and appear to have one of those unique coach/fighter relationships that many of the sport’s greats have shared. They often say that boxing is not just an individual sport, it’s who you have in your corner, and for Tinklin his corner is among the best available in the country.

It has been seen many times in the sporting world before, an athlete will achieve their lifelong goals too early and peak at a young age, leading to a disastrous fall from grace when motivation slowly diminishes and the drive behind their beginnings begin to fade, much like Connor McGregor’s rise and fall from superstardom. Tinklin is not in any danger of falling into that bracket however, as the Welsh prospect is still yet to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming one of Wales’ most famed prizefighters. Tinklin has found motivation in multiple avenues of life along his road to today, and his drive for success only grows every day.

Now 5 fights into his professional career, Tinklin has a new source of motivation to add to his list of ambitions.

“I’ve always been self-motivated as I love the sport so much, but now I want it even more to provide for my son and so he has something to look back on. I want to provide a big future for him when he’s older and that’s why I’m heading to the top”.

The father to be speaks of a bold future in the sport, but his confidence seems justified with a deep knowledge and understanding of boxing acquired over a high-level amateur career and frequent sparring contested against the best fighters in the UK.

“The best part of my ability as a boxer would be my jab, I can work behind it and create openings wherever the fight may lead. I always put 110% into every single fight and the same goes for my training camps. There’s blood and sweat everyday”.

Looking toward his future goal of becoming Wales’ next great, Tinklin remains optimistic yet calculated.

“I’m not going to stop until I get those titles. In five-years-time I want to be somewhere where my son can look up to, I want to be in huge televised fights so I can really show the world what I can do and make something for my little boy.”

Tinklin has the privilege to work with his boxing idol in the quest for superstardom and domestic glory, whereby the pairing will be keen to pursue titles in the foreseeable future. It might seem a monumental task to achieve similar feats to Calzaghe and Rees, but Tinklin’s intentions remain set in stone.

“Losing is not an option for me. I will get those titles”.