New weight, back to the old style - that’s the plan for Brandon

Brandon Jones is all smiles after Saturday’s comeback

FORMER British champ Wayne Elcock began his quest to re-discover the old Brandon Jones on Saturday night.

And the two men’s professional journey together started with a win at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.

Explosive Chelmsley Wood puncher Jones stung Robbie Chapman in the first and after that the Camden boxer “shelled up” and used his defensive guile to see out the four rounder. Jones, returning after a two year lay-off, won every minute of the contest, 40-36.

For 25-year-old Bomber Brandon, now unbeaten in nine, it is a new beginning – with a new face charting his journey.

Elcock has re-united with a talented boxer he guided to two national titles and who beat some exceptional lads along the way.

But it’s a partnership proceeded by a demand from Elcock. “I told him, ‘the deal is you are going down a weight. You’re not a light-heavyweight or a cruiser – you’re not big enough’.”

It’s advice Jones has heeded. He weighed a career lightest 12st 4lbs for Chapman.

I was ringside for Brandon’s points win over Daryl Sharp before he took a long break from the game. The man evidently carried KO power, but loaded up on shots and got tagged coming in.

That’s not the Brandon Jones that Elcock coached in the amateurs.

“The Brandon I went to see (as a pro) was a near cruiserweight who was trying to march people down,” Wayne said. “That is not the one I know, he was getting marked-up by people who were not in his league.

“We’ve got to find the old Brandon, the one that won two national titles. His work was sharp and clean.”

Saturday was a step in the right direction. “I thought it was a great performance when you consider how long Brandon had been away and he was up against a tricky opponent,” said Elcock.

“(Chapman) got rocked in the first round and from there he went into his shell. He was very clever.”

Jones, with half his wins coming by stoppage, was making waves before unexpectedly putting his career on hold. That momentum will soon be regained, Elcock pledged.

“I think he can emulate what he did in the amateurs,” Wayne added. “I believe he can get a British title all day long, but it’s one step at a time. I’m old school, I like the traditional route – first the Midlands, then the English, then the British.

“Brandon’s last amateur fight was against (British and European super-middleweight champ) Callum Simpson – and I thought he’s won it.

“I’m not saying he’s anywhere near ready to fight Callum Simpson yet, but it’s a nice little bit of spice for him.”