‘This is like a world title shot’ - Griffiths
James Griffiths…Midlands title chance. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
EVEN with a title fight looming, James Griffiths refuses to make brash predictions about his fighting future.
Wombourne’s “Baggie Boy”, who boxes for the vacant Midlands middleweight belt next month, refuses to indulge in the social media hype pedalled by so many. Refreshingly, his interviews are free from boasts about being future British, European, even world champions.
“How can I say that?” the 31-year-old, who boxes under the BCB banner, said. “How can I say that when I don’t know what level I’m at myself. Maybe when I’m given a big opportunity and win it, then I can say that.”
Griffiths, an immensely likeable character, is only weeks away from the most significant night of his unbeaten 10 bout career.
On November 7 at Alfreton Leisure Centre he faces Dylan Fitzgerald for the vacant Midlands title.
On paper, it looks an evenly balanced encounter. Derby’s Fitgerald, aged 21, has won eight on the spin, he, like Griffiths, is taking the leap from six to 10 round status, neither have a stoppage on their record.
What Fitzgerald does have on his side is home advantage: for the first time Griffiths, who has appeared exclusively on BCB shows, will be the visitor.
“It’s taken the stress off me as far as (selling) tickets,” James said. “I’m not too bothered, I have a fair few coming up for it.
“It’s the hardest I’ve trained, but that suits me – I love training. I don’t know a lot about him at all, I don’t get to engrossed in that. I train for what I think I’ll face, but it comes down to the night and who’s put the work in. I think the later rounds will go in my favour.”
Griffiths is excited about realising a long-held ambition to become a champion. “I’m 31, everyone has dreams,” he said. “All I wanted to do was to win a belt. I’m treating this as a world title shot.
“I’ve struggled with injuries for three years, I struggled to throw a left hook for the first two years as a pro.” For this one, he has a clean bill of health.
And he’s relishing the prospect of 10 rounds against a young, ambitious opponent after facing men well versed in the arts of survival. “(Over the shorter distances) I wanted to punch as much as I can and look busy, too busy for them to come forward – I’ve outworked them. Over 10 rounds, I get to show myself, I’ve got more time.”
Who knows? Those extra rounds could turn the Baggie Boy into a Baggie Bomber – and new champion.