Ishmael: I’ve got one more year of boxing

Ishmael Ellis...fights at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, next month

ISHMAEL Ellis, gas engineer by day, admits the pilot light of his career is flickering.

The 33-year-old gives himself one more year in the game and admits it will be a hard year.

But Ishmael still burns with ambition. Kings Heath’s former Midlands lightweight champ wants more titles and big name opponents.

First, he has to overcome Worcester’s Michael Mooney, a veteran of well over 100 bouts, on Jon Pegg’s six round bill topper at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on September 13.

“They say he, too, is on the last road and he doesn’t want to lose,” Ishmael said. “He is not coming as an ordinary journeyman, which is good. You still want to be tested.”

Poster for the September 13 show

Ellis, with 23 fights under his belt (nine losses), is seen as something of an elder statement in the sport. He’s done enough to earn the respect of fellow fighters.

“Ish” took the Midlands title at the third time of asking by outpointing Louis Fielding, but lost it in his first defence.

He has faced red hot prospects such as Dalton Smith, Cameron Vuong and Harlem Eubank on major shows.

“I want another title fight – Midlands, ideally an English, I want another prospect,” Ellis said. “Campbell Hatton was the one I was offered last year and I couldn’t take it.”

He admits time is running out. “I have a year of fighting. I have a year left in my body and the only thing I can do is give it a go. I know it will be a hard year with work as well, but nothing in life comes easy.

“With age comes injuries. I do suffer with injuries and they now take a little longer to heal. At the moment I’m OK and all I can do is take it one fight at a time.”

Regrets? Only one stands out.

Ellis added: “My first title shot (a points loss to Kane Baker), I was ill on the day and should’ve pulled out, but my ego got the better of me.”

Ishmael Ellis wants one more year – and he’s determined to make it memorable.