James keeps to his busy fight schedule
Griffiths has Smith under pressure. Pic: MSN Images/BCB Promotions
“BAGGIE Boy” James Griffiths’ hectic schedule continues this Saturday on BCB’s Second City Showdown show at the revised venue of Birmingham Conference Events Centre, writes PAUL WEBB.
The 28-year-old from Wombourne has picked up five wins from five since joining the paid ranks last July following a brief amateur career and six fights on the unlicensed circuit.
Last time out, he went the distance over four with Tewkesbury's Shane Smith but was a bit frustrated to drop a round for the first time, taking a 39-37-points decision.
“It was a decent four rounds, he kept me busy, said Griffiths. “Smith kept me moving, but I’m not sure how I managed to drop a round. I watched the fight back and I didn’t see that. Possibly I was a bit less active over those three minutes than the others. These four-round fights are like the amateur style - you have to be busy and push the pace rather than just sit back and box.
Turning over relatively late, the die-hard West Brom supporter has treated this stage of his career as one big learning experience. He has regularly mixed it up at the BCB gym, in Wednesbury, with some of the best boxers in the country.
“I am really enjoying the sparring I am getting in the gym,” James said. “There used to be days you go in and see these guys who are boxing at a high level and you think, ‘that is who I am in with today’ and there might be nerves. But now I feel a lot more comfortable. Whether it’s Tyler Denny, Conah Walker or Owen Cooper, they have all been good learning experiences for me.
“At this stage, I’m not looking to put any unnecessary pressure on myself. When I turned professional, my age initially made me think I needed to be in a hurry. But I’m only 28, I have plenty of time to progress properly. I want another two fights after this year and to get myself ready for a six-rounder where I think you will see a better version of what I have shown so far.”
Like many boxers in the early stage of their careers Griffiths has been working full time, but the work-training balance has seen significant improvement with the addition of sponsor We Build Trades. They have allowed him to put more hours into the gym.
James said: “Bringing a sponsor on board has been great. It has allowed me to be more selective with what work I will take on, as some of the jobs are very physically demanding and that wouldn’t do me any good right now. I am still working, but this has meant I can cut back and put my focus on the sport.”
The event at the BCEC is also set to feature the final homecoming of Andrew Robinson, the talented Cori Gibbs, and unbeaten duo Hamza Azeem and Ryan Woolridge.
*Tickets for Second City Showdown are now available, priced at £40 standard and £80 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.