Greece is the word for Tion on TV show

Tion Gibbs…in action in Wolverhampton next week. Pic: Sky Sports

TION Gibbs – smooth as warm butter and with more moves than a chess grand master – has been given a decent test on next week’s major, televised Wolverhampton show.

Topping the Boxxer bill at the city’s former Civic Hall – now The Halls – on Saturday, November 18, is local favourite Tyler Denny. The Rowley Regis ticketseller will bid to become European middleweight champ, backed by an army of fans.

Word is Tyler, one of the game’s true nice guys, has shifted a phenomenal number of tickets for the night, screened on Sky Sports.

Gibbs, whose brother Cori is also a top pro, is pitted against Efstathios Antonas, a strong Greek light-welter with only two losses in eight, over six rounds. Antonas, who had two bouts in his native country before moving to the UK, is coming off a narrow, four round points loss.

I can’t see him spoiling the party for talented Gibbs. The 28-year-old has only one loss in 11 – and that was a split decision defeat in a three round tournament to then stablemate Scott Melvin. In the scheme of things, it means little.

In a previous interview, Tion told me his commitment and ambition has increased under the guidance of Max McCracken.

He said: “I know what needs to be done. Honestly, I didn’t take it (boxing) as seriously as I could have. My surroundings drained my energy, now I’m enjoying my boxing. I know exactly what I’ve got.

“I genuinely believe when I look at some of the top names, I know I can mix it with the top names. I’ll admit I’m not there at the moment, but when the time comes I’ll be ready.

“With Max, my mindset is right, I’m very disciplined and do what I’m told when I’m told. I know I can go all the way. I want to fight the best.”

Tion added: “The only people who have seen glimpses of what I can do are those in the gym or those I’ve sparred with. The public have seen 50 per cent, probably less.

“I know what I need to do to propel myself to the top.”