Debut Corner with Sutton-in-Ashfield's Jordan Turner
Managed by Scott Calow, 19-year-old, Jordan Turner from Sutton-in-Ashfield makes his professional debut on 7th of December at Leicestershire on a Clifton Mitchell show. BBN catch up with the enthusiastic youngster to find out more.
What made you want to start boxing? “I loved watching boxing when I was younger, then my mates from school asked me to try the local boxing gym out. After training for the first time I really enjoyed it and kept going. The gym then closed after six months and I didn't want to stop boxing so I found the closest boxing gym to where I lived which was Huthwaite ABC. I trained there for the first time and I never stopped going.”
Who was your boxing hero growing up and why? “Ricky Hatton was my hero, he was a big inspiration to me while boxing especially his fan base with all the atmosphere at each fight. While growing up as a boxer, I've always said I want a big fan base like Ricky Hatton’s, like when he took 25,000 fans over to Las Vegas against Floyd Mayweather Jnr.”
How old were you when you had your first fight and how did you do? “After only training at Huthwaite for about three months, I got registered and had my first fight as a junior at 13 in 2008 at Mansfield. It was a home show so all the home support was there, I didn't know what to expect so I was very nervous but I came through the fight winning on a points decision.”
How well did you do in the amateurs? “I had a good six years boxing in the amateurs, having a total of 27 bouts and boxing some good lads. I boxed for the Notts and Lincs Challenge title in 2012 but unfortunately I lost in a very close majority points decision, I thought I did enough to get the decision but it’s just one of those things. In my last season as an amateur I only had three bouts but I won them all, winning my last one in May 2014.”
What made you decide to turn pro? “I decided to turn pro because I think it will suit me better because I have a good engine. I like boxing the longer rounds because I get better as the rounds go on, so I think turning pro will suit me perfectly.”
What team do you have around you? “I have a great team around me, my manager and trainer, Scott Calow who works with me on my technique and organises quality sparring – I've recently been sparring with Jamie Williams. I also have my strength and conditioning coach, Richard Ashley who puts me through my paces.”
What sort of fighting style do you have? “I like to box and keep it at range but I’m always in the gym working on different things, so if I need to box differently I’m more than capable of doing so.”
What ambitions do you have for your pro career? “I have big ambitions but obviously I’m going to take things one step at a time and not think too far ahead because I’m still young. I want to fight for and win titles. An Area title to begin with then work my way towards the British Lonsdale Belt which would be a big achievement in my eyes. Then, who knows, I could go on to be fighting for a European or World title which would be a dream come true.”
When is your first fight and who will be there in support? “My debut will be on the 7th of December at Leicestershire on a Clifton Mitchell show and will be dedicated to my old amateur coach Brian Yemm who recently passed away. Brian was a fantastic coach, a good friend and will be missed by a lot of people. My biggest supporters – my mum and sister will be there who haven't missed a fight yet, my friends, family and everyone else who can make it.”
Any message for the fans? “Thanks for all the support so far, you've all been great and I hope to see you on the 7th of December and if you've not seen me come and have a look, all I want to do is box and give 110% and give you your money’s worth which I intend to do all the time.”
For tickets to the debut fight please call: My manager Scott Calow on 07876 641055 or contact myself on 07447 686307
Click here to follow Jordan Turner on Twitter @JMTurner95