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If Jon Thaxton’s life story came before a Hollywood producer, they’d probably give it the tagline of “the feel good story of the year”. However, following a spectacular one punch KO to win the European Lightweight title last time out, the Norwich man says the credits won’t be rolling on his career any time soon.
Thaxton makes the first defence of his crown on February 28 at the Norwich Showground, the scene of his knockout win over Juan Carlos Diaz Melero to claim the title last October.
The 34-year-old will be back in front of the ITV 4 cameras again with French Champion Anthony Mezaache looking to make his reign a brief one. However, Thaxton, who has proved that nice guys can finish first, believes he’s getting better with age.
“I’m like a fine wine,” joked Thaxton. “The confidence that comes with winning the European title has made me a better fighter. When I’m at my best it’s going to take a hell of a fighter to beat me and especially when I’m on home ground.”
Despite being a pro since 1992, the southpaw puncher says he’s hungrier than ever for success and he’s not looking to rest on his European laurels. “If my promoter Mick Hennessy can line up a world title fight for me then I’d jump at the chance. Who wouldn’t? I’m looking to make a few defences of my European title but a world title fight would be the icing on the cake.”
Thaxton is also not ruling out a double title clash with British champ John Murray. The unbeaten Mancunian successfully defended his title with an impressive win over Lee McAllister last month and Thaxton was ringside to provide analysis for ITV.
“I’ve no problem with that fight, I’ll carry on defending my European title against whoever is put in front of me be it John Murray or anyone else,” said Thaxton. “Murray’s a very good fighter and I think that would be a great fight. At the end of my career, nobody will be able to say Jon Thaxton ducked anyone so if Mick can line that fight up then we’ll get it on.”
For now though, Thaxton is concentrating on Mezaache, although he admits he is still in the dark about his French opponent. “I don’t know anything about him as the fight’s just been confirmed, but rest assured I’ll do my research and I’ll know everything I need to know by the night of the fight.
“I’m the champion and he’s coming to my backyard, so really he has to worry about me, but I don’t underestimate anyone because I’ve been in his shoes and it’s a great position to be in. He’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s a banana skin for me, but I won’t be slipping up.”
Featuring on the exciting undercard: Danny McIntosh vs. Matthew Barney for the English Light Heavyweight title, subject to Boards approval.
Also appearing is new heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury along with Matthew Thirlwall, Steve O’Meara, Daniel Herdman, Earl Ling and making his pro debut, 2008 ABA Senior Featherweight Champion Bradley Evans of Royston.
Tickets for Jon Thaxton’s European title defence at the Norfolk Showground, Norwich on the 28th February are available from the Ticketline box office on 0871 424 4444 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
