BOXING: Crawley’s Ben Jones wins WBO title

Ben Jones became WBO Featherweight Inter-Continental Champion when he beat Czech Martin Parlagi in an entertaining clash at the Troxy in East London.
Ben Jones, middle, with his main sponsor Alfie Best, left, of Wyldecrest Parks, promotor Mickey Hellier and trainer Ross Payne, right. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101822002Ben Jones, middle, with his main sponsor Alfie Best, left, of Wyldecrest Parks, promotor Mickey Hellier and trainer Ross Payne, right. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101822002
Ben Jones, middle, with his main sponsor Alfie Best, left, of Wyldecrest Parks, promotor Mickey Hellier and trainer Ross Payne, right. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101822002

The Crawley and Capel boxer won with a unanimous verdict with the judges scoring the bout 97-93, 96-94 and 97-93 in Jones’ favour.

It proved a tough fight as Jones suffered a knock-down and a cut to his cheek bone near his right eye in the first round.

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Jones got up immediately from his early fall and took an obligatory eight-count, even though he did not look hurt from being caught by the shot.

Ben Jones receives treatment to his cut cheek against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101913002Ben Jones receives treatment to his cut cheek against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101913002
Ben Jones receives treatment to his cut cheek against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101913002

Jones’ opponent had suffered only one defeat in a European title clash in 17 fights during his career.

Jones overcame a slow start and an attacking, taller opponent but despite bleeding from his cut throughout the contest, looked comfortably on top at the end of the ten-round fight.

The Czech looked ahead on the early rounds but Jones grew stronger as the fight went on, a tribute to his fitness and his famous staying-power his nickname Ben ‘Duracell’ Jones suggests.

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Jones was seen by a doctor afterwards and taken to the nearby Royal London Hospital for stitching as there were not suitable facilities for doing so at the venue, according to the doctor.

Ben Jones in action against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101758002Ben Jones in action against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101758002
Ben Jones in action against Martin Parlagi fighting for the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title. Picture by Graham Carter SUS-151031-101758002

For Jones, 33, it was his fifth win this year and he hopes to use this win to challenge for a World title.

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