Doherty pledges to put on show for fans

Doherty…wants to make a statement on Friday night

BIRMINGHAM’S Jarrett Doherty plans to use his next fight as a dress rehearsal for a title challenge and is in no mood to mess about.

That run-out comes at the H Suite, Edgbaston, on Friday night (March 24) on a show staged by Black Country Boxing Promotions.

Doherty, from Bordesley Green, is looking to establish himself as a contender after a mixed start to his career.

His sixth pro contest will level up the experience gained before the pandemic following a 21 bout amateur career with Eastside Boxing Club.

Doherty turned over in 2017 and started with a shut-out four rounds points win over Victor Edagha.

He then moved-up to six rounds and lost by one point to Jake Haigh, 58-57.

Just eight days later he was back in the ring to tackle Corey Jackson. That proved disastrous, with Doherty demolished by a big right in the third.

The 33-year-old returned last June with father and son team, Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr.

He has boxed twice for them, both 40-36 four round victories over Josh Cook and Paul Cummings.

Doherty said: “I’ve been training twice a day and it’s been excellent. I’ve had one of the best camps ever and I’ve been using this as a springboard for a title fight. This is the prototype.

“I’ve been back in the gym since the start of the year. I was supposed to box in December, but I got ill and it was something terrible. It was a sinus infection, so I was on antibiotics.

“But it’s not like I’ve been sitting around for months. We’ve made some subtle changes to how I box and that means being more clinical.

“My last opponent (Paul Cummings) was tough, but I let him off the hook. It meant a telling off from my coach.

“Perhaps I was going through the motions a bit, but I’ve been read the riot act and I won’t let that happen again.

“I’ve been sparring with (Midlands welter champ) Owen Cooper, a really talented lad. Kay Jiminez and Connor Goodchild are always around, too.

“I want to leave it all in the ring next time. It’s an entertainment business and I’ll be looking to put on a show. This is where it starts again for me.

“I’ve got losses on my record, anyway, so I don’t mind taking a risk. I’d like to go for the Midlands title at either middle or super-middle and build towards the English.”