New pro Jai pledges to spread excitement
Jai Sohal signs his pro contract and will fight in home city next month
JAI Sohal, a young man who delivers gas by day, reckons he’s got the chemical formula to make an explosive start in the pro game.
The likable Wolverhampton welter, managed by Gavin Burrows, makes his debut on BCB’s October 17 show at Aldersley Stadium in the fighter’s home city.
Jai looks like being a ticket-seller. His job delivering propane bottles for family firm Hilton Gas has made him a well-known and popular face around the Featherstone area where he lives.
Maybe Burrows’ Trojan gym, the home of old gold favourite Brandon Bethell, has found another big crowd puller.
“I have an exciting style,” the 23-year-old said, “all my fights are non-stop. I can punch a bit, but I’m more a good, constant pressure fighter. All my fights are good to watch.”
The road to the pros has been a long one. He joined Pete Hickenbottom’s Great Wyrley gym at 13, took a long break, joined-up with Burrows, competed in K-1 and Muay Thai before returning to traditional boxing. He’s turned over after only six amateur bouts.
“My grandad used to box and it was half the reason I did,” Jai said. “My mum forced me to box just for the discipline and I ended up enjoying the sport. She’s made up.
“I was with Pete Hickenbottom until 15 or 16, then took a break – I was getting older, living like a teenager and fell away from it. At 19 I got into mixed martial arts.
“I always said I wanted to get back into boxing. I’ve knuckled down and matured. I was always told I had a professional style – with longer rounds and smaller gloves I think it will suit me more.
“I stayed away from boxing longer than I should, but thankful to be able to get back in the sport.”
Understandably with such a short amateur career, Jai refuses to make bold predictions about future achievements.
“I’m just looking forward to my debut,” he added, “it’s something I’ve waited a while for. I’m taking it fight by fight, build into it, build a following. There’s no pressure on me.”