Purdy To Take The Jones Test In December

The Essex man claimed the vacant title with a superb fourth round stoppage of previously unbeaten Argentine Gumersindo Carrasco at Alexandra Palace in September, a win that sees him sit just outside the top ten in the IBF rankings.

That win capped a brilliant run of form for Purdy who claimed the English title against Adnan Amar in March with a fifth round stoppage and then defended it with a first round stoppage of Chris Johnson four months later.

The 25 year old is chomping at the bit to face Jones after landing the Carrasco fight at late notice and taking full advantage to burst onto the World welterweight scene.

“I took my chance against Carrasco with style and I plan to do the same against Jones,” said Purdy. “He fights a bit like me, loves to have a tear-up and I think this could be a great fight, and if I win it I’ll am likely to move into the top five of the IBF.”

Jones is ranked at number seven with the IBF and took Kell Brook to the limit, losing a tight points decision when the pair met in Sheffield in July. The Oklahoma man is certain that this time around that he will return home victorious.

“I honestly cannot believe he wants to fight me considering what I did to one of his stable mates,” said Jones. “But I am glad to fight back in UK and think I am on my way to becoming the UK’s favorite new adopted son.

“I hadn’t heard of Purdy until the fight was offered. I think his style is perfectly suited for me and I will go in there and take him out.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn is promising a Christmas treat for fight fans with Purdy and Jones topping a great bill with the date and venue to be confirmed soon, along with the rest of the undercard.

“I really think this could be one to remember,” said Hearn. “Lee and his team have fancied the fight with Carson for a while now and when I made the approach it was accepted instantly.

"It's pretty obvious what kind of fight this is going to be, an out and out barn burner and a chance for Lee to really make his name on the World stage.”

An announcement on the date, venue, undercard and tickets will be made in the coming weeks.