Jay Jay kicks off his career with victory
Jay Jay Tonks…kick-boxing star won debut on points
FORMER kick-boxing star Jay Jay Tonks – a bearded, menacing individual with big support - got his career off with a win at Wolverhampton’s Hangar venue last night (Friday).
But the 29-year-old didn’t have it all his own way against lofty Latvian Edgars Sniedze, who shared one session of the four rounder, 40-37 on referee Kevin Parker’s card.
It was a stark contrast of physical attributes and styles.
Sniedze, who lost for the 38th time in 45 bouts (one draw,) is tall and rangy. He attempted to keep matters at long range, poking and prodding with a jab so long it could serve as a washing line.
Tattooed Tonks, compact and powerful, prowled and cut off the ring before unleashing short hooks.
Guided by respected Gavin Burrows, Jay Jay, from Walsall, needed to unload more ammo. He waited too long for openings.
That will come. The man has only just begun his pro journey.
Sniedze (13st 5lbs 4oz) looked to fire at distance as Tonks (13st 1lb 6oz), his gumshield bared in a grin, constantly hunted him down.
By the third, Jay Jay’s fists were churning as he cranked up the pressure. Sniedze connected with a nice, clean left in the fourth, only to be nailed by a right uppercut.
Tonks had the edge in power, was the aggressor throughout and made the fight.
There are rough edges to be smoothed, but he looks set to feature in some crowd-pleasing battles.
Before the fight, Jay Jay said: “I’ve achieved everything in kickboxing, since I joined up with Gavin. I won (WKF) English, British, Five Nations, European and world titles, so I’ve been really successful.
“I had 23 pro bouts in kickboxing and won all of them. In K-1, I had four fights and won all four of them. I haven’t lost since I was an amateur and that was about 10 years ago!
“I only had six as an amateur and won four. The other loss was in my third one. I turned pro in 2014, with my amateur coach (Martin Cope, Eclipse Martial Arts Centre, Walsall).
“I moved over to Gavin in 2016, so we’ve been working together for a long time now. He thinks that I can do well in boxing and I’ve got confidence in my ability.
“It’s different, moving over from kickboxing, such as the positioning of your feet and hands. K1 was all about coming forward, with a high guard, and meeting in the middle of the ring.
“I fought with my hands down because I couldn’t walk into knees like that, so I’ve changed my style and I’ve enjoyed the process, along with the sparring.
“I’ve got a company (ACG Building Services) that I run with my cousin (Lee Pountain) and we’ve grown so much, to the level we are at now, so I’m able to train more.
“I’ll be coming at light-heavyweight, but I also want to try super middle somewhere down the line. I’m not going to make up the numbers, I want to be in exciting fights.
“I feel like opponents will struggle with my footwork and boxing IQ. It’s coming along quickly. I thrive on pressure, I love the spotlight being on me and a big crowd being there.”