By John Evans
Jamie Cox is chomping at the bit to get his 2012 started. The 16-0 (9) Commonwealth light middleweight champion is eager to prove those who say he possesses the exciting, southpaw style to rise to the top of the domestic rankings right and the naysayers who claim he has become too predictable and reliant on power wrong. There is just one problem.
“At the minute, everything’s dictated by the hand,” he says. “I broke it in my last fight and had three or four pins put in it. They’ve been taken out now so obviously I’ll be getting on with the rehabilitation process now. I’m still in the gym though and still training. I’m just waiting for the hand. I can’t use too much force on it at the minute. Just touching the bag and stuff like that. It’ll be nice to be boxing again.”
It’s fair to say that 2011 ended on a bittersweet note for the 25-year-old. In September, his joy at claiming his first professional belt was tempered by the controversy which surrounded his victory over Obodai Sai. The unanimous decision in Cox’s favour was greeted with a blaze of disapproval. Many believed Cox was lucky to escape disqualification after losing two points for a string of low blows and the vast majority of those who believed Cox did deserve to hear the final bell had Sai ahead at the end of the bout. Did the sheer amount of criticism surprise Cox?
“Yeah, a little bit. Obviously there was a bit of controversy because there were a few low blows but its part of sport. You get controversies surrounding all different sports so I take it with a pinch of salt at the end of the day.”
If one is to look back at the victory in the cold light of day then there are actually a few positives for Cox to take from the fight. He battled through cuts, a broken hand and the first real hard fight of his career to emerge with a victory over a previously unbeaten challenger. Obviously Cox would prefer to have turned in a punch perfect performance but, if he learns from the experience, it could turn out to be an invaluable night’s work.
“That’s the main thing. From my family, my trainer and my point of view we had a win. It’s another one under the belt and hopefully we can keep on winning.”
There have been strong rumours of a rematch but whilst the Ghanaian certainly deserves one, nowadays in boxing title opportunities are rarely given based purely on merit. If it were down to Cox then he gladly give Sai another shot at his Commonwealth belt. So – to steal what must be the most commonly used promotion name in history - would it be ‘Revenge or Repeat’?
“To be honest, if the money’s right, I’d love to bury the hatchet. I wouldn’t mind going in there and firing a few more low blows at him!” laughs Cox. “I’m joking. I’d hope to go in there and do it properly next time. I broke my hand early on in the fight and he had a hard head so I was looking for somewhere soft to hit him. I was trying to aim for the stomach and they weren’t on purpose but a few strayed low. It didn’t help that his waistband was right under his pecs to be honest with you. It is what it is. Next time I’ll be more than ready. I’ll have more preparation and it won’t be good for him.”
Rumours have recently been rife that highly rated Liverpudlian Joe Selkirk could be next in line for Cox. The talented but inactive Scouser recently made his first appearance of what he hopes will be his breakthrough year when stopping Ryan Toms. The BoxNation commentators on the night speculated that Selkirk was facing southpaw Toms in preparation for a spring clash with Cox. When I mention this to the Swindonian it is evident from the surprise in his voice that he has yet to even be consulted about such a bout.
“Rumours about what? I haven’t heard anything about Selkirk.” he says. “Nah, nah. I haven’t heard anything about that. At the end of the day it’s all talk. They were probably surmising it but I’ll fight anybody for the right money.”
Cox’s willingness to mix it with his rivals could see him rewarded with some high profile fights. The light middleweight division is currently one of Britain’s deepest. Alongside Cox and the aforementioned Selkirk we have the likes of Ryan Rhodes, British champion Brian Rose, the resurgent Matthew Hall and born again knockout artist Steve O’Meara. Add former champions Prince Arron and Sam Webb to the mix and there are numerous exciting matches to be made. Cox is well aware of the challenge facing him but has big hopes for 2012.
“The light middleweight division’s hard. The main one’s obviously Ryan Rhodes. I respect Ryan. He’s been in the game a long time and he’s the one leading the pack. The British champ (Rose), if they offered the fight now I’d take him on with one hand to be honest with you.
“They’re all good fighters and everybody can be beaten, you’ve just gotta bring your game on the night. There ain’t nobody that I’m too bothered about but I respect them all and I’ll take them all seriously.
“I’d like to go out and win the British title. Yeah, Brian Rose. I want Brian the lion!”
