BOXING: Jordan Gill determined to prove English title credentials in Derby
Jordan Gill eased to victory in his last fight - and he hopes to do the same this weekend in Derby. Photo: Ian Carter - Credit: Archant
Jordan Gill is hoping to make a big statement this weekend as he warms up for the biggest fight of his career.
The 23-year-old Chatteris featherweight returns to the ring in Derby tomorrow night (13) but admits he has a bigger challenge on his mind – an English title fight against reigning champion, Samir Mouneimne.
Gill could clinch his first major strap by beating the Hull-based fighter early next year – but must first take on the challenge of Nicaraguan fighter, Rafael Castillo.
Castillo, 25, has been involved in 51 fights but only 14 have been victories – but Gill isn’t underestimating his opponent as he aims to take his record to an impressive 18 straight wins.
“The title fight is a good start and it will be a good fight but I have to get the job done tonight first,” he said.
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“I’m always looking to go out and make a statement and tonight is no different.
“I don’t know a lot about Castillo but I know that he’s been about and that he’s supposed to be quite tough.
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“But training has been going well, I’ve been keeping my head down and I feel ready. We don’t train for individual fights so I’ve been treating it the same as any other fight and I just want to get in there now.
“There’s some other good fights on the bill – like Ryan Fields’ Midlands area title fight against Andy Keates – so there should be a good atmosphere.”
Gill made the biggest move of his career earlier in the year by leaving the Ingles and moving to the Coldwell Gym, and ‘The Thrill’ says he is reaping the benefits of being mentored by David Coldwell, whose stable also includes Tony Bellew, WBA world bantamweight champion, Jamie McDonnell and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Anthony Fowler.
“I feel settled in now and I think getting a lot of one-to-one time is helping me to improve even more,” Gill said.
“I’ve had some good sparring with the likes of Gavin and Jamie McDonnell who have won world titles so I feel good.”
• Jordan’s fight takes place at Rollerworld, Derby, DE21 4AW.
