Kay - from Syria to the McCracken gym
Jiminez powers through his professional debut
AN interesting – and colourful - addition to the McCracken gym is set to take part in his second pro bout at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on February 25.
Kutaiba “Kay” Jiminez certainly travelled before making his fight base in the city with father and son Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr. He was born and raised in Syria, re-located to Spain, spent time in London and switched to the Second City a year ago.
With so many addresses, gathering the necessary paperwork for Jiminez’ pro debut has proved something of a headache for the McCrackens.
The wait, however, proved worthwhile, with the 30-year-old light-middle winning every round of his four round debut with Paul Cummings, a veteran of 74 fights (70 losses, one draw), at the Eastside Rooms in December.
Jiminez may be something of an unknown quantity here, but he comes with an excellent amateur pedigree. He won 47 of 55 bouts and gained silver in the Haringey Box Cup.
Spencer McCracken Jnr said: “He’s been training with us for a year. He didn’t know anyone in Birmingham, but sold five or six tables for the show. That’s not bad for someone who doesn’t know anyone in Birmingham.
“He’s a nice, honest lad who works very hard in the gym. The debut has been a long time coming and he done really well. He was non-stop, although pre-fight nerves may have had an impact.”
Jiminez said: “It’s taken me a long time to get here. I’ve had a few issues along the way, so I’m thankful for the opportunity to finally make my pro debut.
“I was born in Aleppo (Syria). My dad is from Syria, but mum is from Madrid (in Spain). I believe they met through her mother, my grandmother.
“Dad was a nightclub owner and a lot of my family worked on the doors (as security for the venue), so that’s what I’ve been doing since I moved to Birmingham.
“I’m 30 now, but I was 20 when I first came to England. I went to Hooks (Boxing Club, London) and won a silver medal at the Haringey Box Cup (2014).“I decided to drop my boxing, for a few years. I started to push again, in 2019, for what I’ve always wanted to become - a professional boxer. “When Covid hit, I went and stayed with my mother who lives in Marbella and joined a boxing club over there (the Bull). I only ended up having two fights for them.
“I met a guy in Marbella called Warren Lynch, who is the son of Paddy Lynch (coach and Birmingham boxing legend). That’s where this story started for me.
“Warren’s daughter was at an equestrian school there and I like to ride horses. We had a chat and he promised to put me in touch with the McCrackens.
“I came to their gym in Birmingham and sparred with the lads. After three days, they offered me a contract. They found me a room, next to the gym, and I’ve never left!
“I think that I’ve got a few good years left in me and I’ve put my heart into the game. Wherever I lay my gloves, that’s my home!
“I can box, but I’ve got absolutely no problem with standing there and trading, either. In fact, I’d love that, because I come for a fight.”