New pro Van-Gelder promises fireworks!

Jay Van-Gelder signs pro forms with Anthony Manning

THE boxing public love a “banger” – a fighter with the raw power to end contests suddenly, unexpectedly, explosively.

And in new pro Jay Van-Gelder, who gained an amateur reputation for being heavy handed, they appear to be getting one. The surname is Dutch – courtesy of a distant relative, the boxer aims to make opponents see double.

The Redditch featherweight – a product of the town’s Studio ABC – has turned over with Birmingham manager and promoter Anthony Manning and will make his debut in May.

“Fans can expect an exciting style of boxing,” Jay said. “Then can expect it to be end-to-end from the get-go. They can expect me to not just go in there to win a fight, but to go in there to hurt opponents.”

The 21-year-old has a boxing CV that suggest he can make waves, the honours including national titles at junior and youth level.

But even as a youngster, trainers told him he possessed a pro style.

“I owe a lot to (Studio ABC coach) Gary Blower,” Jay said. “I wouldn’t be where I am if not for him. There were times when I wanted to quit, but he kept me going.

“As a kid, I was always into football, I was always a quiet kid. I was stopping at a friend’s house when I was seven and he did boxing for fun. I went to one session and just fell in love with it.

“My style is very much on the front foot, I like to break people down. In the amateurs there are a lot of punches thrown in a short time. I like to work people out and I think in the amateurs you don’t have the time to do that.

“I want to come to box rather than have a race.”

Jay has quite a wait before making his paid bow but feels the months of preparation are needed.

“I’ve just sparred amateurs,” he explained. “Sparring pros is a completely different story. This is a completely different game.

“In the back of your head, you see Midlands and British titles, but right now I’m just focused on having a good camp and a great debut.”

He’s certainly showing the required commitment, rising at 5.30 to do roadwork, then starting work as a construction site labourer, then grafting in the gym. As Jay – a young man with a big following – put it: “It’s a very busy life.”

Of his big night in May, he added: “There’ll be nerves, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have nerves.

“I’m excited and happy – and a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter.”