British Boxing: Jon Thaxton – “It’s My Time To Shine”

Jon Thaxton is promising “something special” in his European Lightweight Title challenge against Yuri Romanov at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday, April 4.

The British Champion headlines the Hennessy Sports show in association with title partners GoldenPalace.com which will be shown live on Sky Sports, Sky Sports 1 9.30pm.

Thaxton, of Norwich, has total respect for his opponent from Belarus, who won three fights in Britain before losing on points to former British champion Graham Earl in 2006.

Romanov is ranked number three in the WBA rankings and Thaxton expects him to be better than when he faced Earl.

Thaxton said: “I just think there’s going to be something very special from me on April 4th. This is a world class fight and when I win it I will be right up there in the world rankings.

“I’ve followed his career and he had a lot of success over here a few years ago. Graham Earl had a fantastic night against Romanov, but Romanov had been out of the ring for a long time before that one.

“I will not be fighting the same Romanov Earl did. I’ve watched his recent fights and his win over Carlos Diaz Melero in 2006 for the European title. He got dropped but simply got up, wiped his gloves, smiled and then pole-axed Diaz.

“So this kid is dangerous and so strong. It’s a dangerous fight for me, but I’m having an Indian summer to my career that I can’t see ending just yet.

“The moment I take my eyes off the ball against Romanov is the moment I’m in trouble. I’ve worked hard in training and I really believe I can pull it off.

“This fight will tell me how far I can go, in terms of world titles, and I feel there’s something special to come from me in this fight.”

Thaxton’s promoter Mick Hennessy said: “This is a great traditional fight where the British champion takes on the European champion between two boxers who are prepared to put it all on the line, risking it all. This could move Jon on to bigger things, push him up the world rankings and get him the world title shot he craves.”

Tickets for York Hall, Bethnal Green 4th April 2008 now on sale via Ticketmaster box office on 0870 060 1795 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk £40 unreserved seating, £100 inner ringside seating
www.hennessysports.com