BEN JONES says his fabulous fans can give him the edge in next month's big fight in Crawley.
Jones and Paul Truscott meet for the vacant WBO European super-featherweight title at the K2 Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 16 – and the winner could get a crack at world honours.
Truscott has previously held the Commonwealth featherweight title, but Jones is expecting to have plenty of support from Crawley and Redhill for what promises to be one of the best domestic fights of the year.
"It's a big event for the town," said the 30-year-old crowd-pleaser.
"A lot of my old pals have contacted me on Facebook and tickets are flying out.
"Hopefully people will get behind me and having the crowd behind you can make a big difference when the going gets tough. This fight is a big opportunity for both of us.
"Truscott is a good fighter – there aren't any mugs at this level – and it should be a great fight.
"I watched how Gary Buckland beat Truscott – and we have a similar style.
"I definitely think I have the beating of him. I think I will be too strong – and who knows what will be next?
"Beating Truscott will definitely open doors and I could end up boxing for the world title."
And with former British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight title holder Michael Alldis masterminding his bid to conquer the world, Jones is positive about his boxing future.
"Mick has got so much knowledge and he's so fit," said Jones.
"We don't spar each other as much as we used to, but he still shows me so many clever things.
"I like to think we keep each other on our toes. If Mick tells me he doesn't want to go out for a run, I just say that he's old and he soon gets his trainers on!"
Jones could have used his feet to pay the bills though, as he was a red-hot striker when he was a teenager.
He was on the books of both Fulham and Exeter City and also had spells at Whyteleafe, Redhill and Horsham.
"Maybe I could have made a living playing football," he said, "but I was always impatient and didn't like being left on the bench.
"The managers used to tell me: 'Ben, you're only a teenager, you've got time on your side', but I wanted to be out there playing.
"I decided to concentrate on boxing when I was 19-years-old – and I'm pleased with the way things have worked out.
"I've got my own plumbing and heating business and because I work for myself, I can take time off to train."
Jones will be training full-time in preparation for the biggest fight of a career that has already brought him English, IBO International and British Masters belts.
Paul Devlin has been brought in as a fitness coach – and will ensure Jones will be in tip-top shape for the 12-round fight.
Tickets for the show are available from 07720-045566 and 07798-655375.
