Brandon proves a real body-snatcher

Brandon Jones…seventh win on the spin

CHELMSLEY Wood’s Brandon Jones served notice of what looks like being a significant year by belting out Borislan Zankov on Saturday night.

On BCB’s show at the Eastside Rooms, Jones softened, then broke the Bulgarian with body shots before halting him in the fifth.

The 23-year-old, trained by John Costello, did a number on Zankov. This was his first six rounder and tougher tests await the big-hitting light-heavy.

He’s now unbeaten in seven – four inside distance – and is surely close to a Midlands title shot.

Brandon oozed bad intent from the get-go against Zankov (now 14-30-1), bulling him to the ropes and working the East European’s body as if taking an axe to a mighty oak.

Zankov spent most of the round either pinned to the ropes or beating a retreat to them.

He attempted to stem the storm of leather in the fifth and paid a heavy price.

A succession of heavy rights put Zankov down, he rose unsteadily and Jones poured on the pressure until referee Pete McCormick wisely called a halt.

It was Brandon’s first outing since October. He was due to fight in December, but a cut eye suffered during sparring with stablemate Ryan Kelly scuppered that date.

The Birmingham fighter said: “All in all, I’ve only had about two weeks out of the gym and I was still feeling fit when I came back in because, ultimately, I didn’t fight.

“I split my eye sparring with Ryan (Kelly). I pulled out and I’m glad that I did, because it definitely could have opened up again. It’s completely healed now.

“I got out six times last year, so I was happy enough with that as I’d stayed busy. I plan to have less fights, with more rounds, in 2023.”

It’s too early to predict what Jones can achieve, but one thing is beyond doubt. He can certainly bang.