Tion faces toughest test of his pro career
Gibbs (right) has been matched against tough Rene Tellez Giron
SKILLED Birmingham lightweight Tion Gibbs faces potentially his toughest pro test at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on September 30.
Tion, whose brother Cori is also a top pro, has been matched with rugged Mexican Rene Tellez Giron over eight rounds on the televised Boxxer card.
Giron, at 24, is young and hungry. What’s more, with 11 stoppage in 17 victories, he carries a decent dig. This is not a case of a once useful fighter past his prime being brought over for a payday.
Giron is coming here to upset the applecart.
The Mexican is used to boxing away from home, having performed in America, Canada, Colombia, Argentina and Panama during a 20 bout career.
Last time out, in June, Giron dropped a majority, 10 round decision to very good Argentinian Jose Matias Romero for the WBA Fedelatin title. Romero has lost only three of 30.
In 28-year-old Gibbs, he faces a 28-year-old with real artistry, a former Midlands champ who insists the hunger for glory has been rekindled by trainer Max McCracken.
Tion is, to all intent and purposes, unbeaten. The one blemish on an 11 bout slate came on points over three rounds in a prize-fighter type tournament. It is meaningless, it cannot be used as a yardstick to what can or cannot be achieved.
Tion said: “Giron can dig a bit, he’s very explosive, but I know what I can do. I’m going there with a game plan.”
He admitted: “I know what needs to be done. Honestly, I didn’t take it (boxing) as seriously as I could have. My surroundings drained my energy, now I’m enjoying my boxing. I know exactly what I’ve got.
“I genuinely believe when I look at some of the top names, I know I can mix it with the top names. I’ll admit I’m not there at the moment, but when the time comes I’ll be ready.
“With Max, my mindset is right, I’m very disciplined and do what I’m told when I’m told. I know I can go all the way. I want to fight the best.”
Tion added: “The only people who have seen glimpses of what I can do are those in the gym or those I’ve sparred with. The public have seen 50 per cent, probably less.
“I know what I need to do to propel myself to the top.”
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