Tag: Aberdare

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

Tags Aberdare, abertillery, blaenavon, California, Cardiff, London, newport, Swansea, Wales

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

SION YAXLEY

Post author By f/s
Post date February 26, 2019

“I’ve got an all-round skillset and power in both hands, but I know I have to be on the top of my game to win so I always prepare accordingly. My amateur days have taught me the best boxing technique is always the jab, it sets-up everything on the inside like hooks to the body, which I really like throwing. I sacrifice to be a winner and strive to prove people wrong.”

FIGHT SCENE CATCHES UP WITH SION YAXLEY

Welsh born Sion Yaxley hopes to follow in the footsteps of his native idol; Joe Calzaghe, as he embarks on a career in professional boxing after a turbulent amateur campaign.

The Super-Welterweight made his first walk to the ring as a licensed professional back in November 2018, outpointing his opponent (Kevin McCauley) in a convincing 40-36 unanimous verdict. His amateur career spanned over 45 fights, in which Yaxley captured a silver in the Tammer Cup, and won the Welsh Amateur Championships twice, coincidently at the same age and same weight as his storied idol Calzaghe.

Yaxley said: “I’ve watched Joe (Calzaghe) since I was a kid, I would stay up late and watch all of his fights. He is a true sporting hero of mine, and to win the Welsh Championships at the same weight and age as he did was a delight.”

Yaxley had his first experiences of the fight-game at aged 13, where he first walked into his amateur gym; Dyffryn ABC in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. Hoping to replicate the success of his inspiration, Yaxley quickly began competing in the amateur circuit, and realized his potential in the Welsh Championships. The prospect of representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games came tantalizingly close until Sion lost on points in a closely contested bout against Scotland’s Fraser Gorn in the 2016 GB semi-finals. Despite competing in the tournament with just 35 amateur fights to his name, Yaxley managed to contest with amateurs from across the UK with more than 100 plus bouts under their belt, and thus secured his reputation as a top Welsh prospect as a result.

“Looking back I was a little out my depth in that tournament, but I was so close to making the final and I managed to beat a German lad in the quarters who beat Pat McCormack. I was boxing lads who had 3 times the amount of experience I had at the time.”

Yaxley’s valiant dream of following the path of his idol still held up despite his amateur set-back, and was used as a gage to demonstrate his development in progressing so far in a tournament that was ultimately aimed for fighters with much more experience and ring-time.

“Boxing has really helped me with my self-confidence and self-discipline. Winning means everything for me as well as my coaches, fans and sponsors. There truly is no better feeling than having your arm raised at the end of a contest.”

Much like other amateur champions, Yaxley’s pedigree comes equipped with a heightened understanding of points-scoring. Like many seasoned amateur fighters such as Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux, who both have a combined amateur record of 871-13, Yaxley’s skill-set poses a very strong threat to the professional ranks, particularly those with little experience as a high-level amateur.

Yaxley’s array of supporters from North Wales originally made the trip down to the South (Newport) for his initial pro-debut in October 2018 against Paul Cummings, but the bout was called off. Sion said: “I was gutted for my supporters who all travelled down to South Wales when my pro debut was called off. I really do appreciate all the support and I thank everyone who has been and will be a part of my journey.” Instead, Yaxley made his debut in November in Liverpool and outboxed his first professional opponent in a convincing first outing.

“He was very tough and knew a lot of tricks on the inside and moved his head very well, so I had to box him behind the jab and keep him under control”, but ultimately, Yaxley’s pedigree and technical quality proved too much for McCauely, who was beaten in every single round on each scorecard.

Yaxley since has been training with the likes of Amir Khan which provided invaluable experience in the build up to his next fight against Latvian Kristaps Zulgis. This proving an impressive, comfortable win, taking his record to 2-0.

After beating the durable Kevin McCauley in his first bow as a professional, Sion Yaxley (5-0) added another foe to his list of victims in another convincing display over Kristaps Zulgis back in July. Yaxley, or by his alias: “Yax” demonstrated an extensive toolset in his unanimous victory and showcased his ability to control fighters through intelligent ring-generalship.

“I thought that I boxed very well and had a controlled performance. I dictated the fight from the centre of the ring and put on an exciting fight.”

The 23-year-old Welshman, albeit very early on in his professional career appears to be developing into a serious British prospect and is still very eager to iron out any weaknesses that may have leaked during two convincing displays over capable opponents.

“There’s a lot of things I need to improve on moving forward as I’m still very new to the pro-game. Mainly, it’s about upping the tempo and going through the gears early on, I carry power in both hands and when I finally let them go I’m a very exciting fighter to watch.”

Under the watchful eye of his trainer Wesley Jones, the Colwyn Bay fighter looks to impress the masses in another step-up in his career. It’s something that the multiple amateur champion will be used to, fighting frequently against handy opposition, but its something which catalyzes development, in particular fighters as young as Yaxley.

I’m getting hard, world-class sparring in frequently at Dyffryn Boxing Club and competing with some top level fighters in preparation for my bout.”

Yaxley is keen to test his ability against the best in the Super-Welterweight division, much like his successes in major tournaments as an amateur.

Equipped with an extensive amateur pedigree, a broad skillset and the desire to develop every aspect of his game, the young prospect can only be heading toward greater opportunities and avenues in the sport which he first embarked on some 10 years ago. It may appear that Yaxley has little experience, but it’s taken him a decade of sacrifice to be in the position he is now, and if he can guarantee one thing it’ll be that he won’t take this opportunity lightly.

In his first 10 years of the sport, Yax has captured various amateur championships, successfully beaten two professional fighters, signed with various sponsors such as Club 147 and Atebol and developed a skill-set which is tested frequently against elite operators. It’s not for anyone to forecast what the next 10 years can possibly bring to the Welshman. One thing that can be guaranteed is excitement.

Over to you: Yax.

MORGAN JONES

Post author By f/s
Post date February 25, 2019

“I enjoy displaying my skill to the spectators, and I see boxing like painting a picture. When I’m on my A-game, which is every time I fight, the winning takes care of itself.”

FIGHT SCENE CATCHES UP WITH MORGAN JONES

Morgan Jones knows what he wants, knows how he wants to get there….and you better believe him when he tells you so convincingly.

Jones admits that he wasn’t born with this confident and exuberant persona, but it has manifested itself in his personality due to what boxing has given to him.

“It’s hard to put into words how much boxing has helped me,” he says. “What I can say is that it has made me the man I am today – I am hard working, strong, confident, everything a man is supposed to be. All thanks to this sport.”

Jones has had his fair share of crosses to bare with some truly heartbreaking situations in his life, but even when asked about the losses he has been through, his defiant attitude shines through. “Boxing helped me through the hard times,” Jones says. “It was a reason to get out of bed and stay motivated. Boxing kept (and keeps) me around good, positive people that want to see you be the best you can be.”

Confidence personified and the skillset to back it up, Jones points out his self-belief in his timing and his arsenal to get his hand raised at the final bell. He knows if he applies himself and fights his own fight, the wins will come……but he wants to put a show on whilst he does it. “I enjoy displaying my skill to the spectators,” he says. “I see boxing like painting a picture. When I’m on my A-game, which is every time I fight, the winning takes care of itself.”

There can be no debate over the list of qualities the Aberdare-based super middleweight possesses, but it was interesting to find out why people should be getting a ticket and going to watch “Team Chocolate” in action. “If you enjoy watching effortless boxing masterclasses, you should watch me fight.
“ If you enjoy watching super middleweights getting dropped or knocked out, you should watch me fight!”

With Jones highlighting he is the man to watch, it was intriguing to find out who has been influential to him. He mentions James Toney, and his fight against Vassiliy Jirov, which made him more and more smitten with the sport as well as influencing his commitment to composure and technique. “James Toney is one of my favourite fighters anyway” he says. “In this particular fight the odds were stacked against him when he faced an undefeated Olympic champion from Kazakhstan, with a huge KO% and a great fighter. Toney grinded out the win through slick boxing and staying calm under pressure.” Characteristics he plans on emulating.

Jones boasts a record of 13-2-0. The build up to fights have been good, and Jones is ecstatic with how things have gone!

“I’ve now teamed up with Mountain Ash Boxing Club, and the support I’ve had from Pebbles and Shane has been unbelievable. My work rate, aggression and confidence have gone through the roof. I’m really excited to show the boxing world a new Morgan Jones come fight night.”

“If I see ANY signs of weakness in my opponent…..he’ll be having an early night!”