Thaxton wants his titles back

Evening News 24 Chris Lakey26th June, 2009

Norwich's Jon Thaxton says he intends to regain his British and European titles - and insists that 17 years in the fight game has not dampened his drive for success.

Thaxton is in action in London on July 18, on the undercard of fellow Norwich boxer Danny McIntosh's British light-heavyweight title challenge against Nathan Cleverly.

But it's likely to be September when he faces his first major test as mandatory challenger for the vacant British lightweight title. An opponent has yet to be selected by the British Boxing Board of Control, although stablemate John Murray looks favourite.

The master-plan then moves back on to the European stage to regain the title he lost to Frenchman Antony Mezaache in February.

For the 34-year-old Thaxton, the British fight gives him an opportunity to prove he is not a spent force.

"It's up to the Board who they match with me for the vacant title, but I've no problem getting it on with anyone in the country," he said. "I personally hope it will be John Murray. That's the fight I want. He's the unbeaten, young up-and-coming guy and I know me and him in the same boxing ring will be one hell of a fight. It's one of those fights that will have people split down the middle, but I believe I have the style, the experience and the power to defeat him.

"Ever since I turned pro as an 18-year-old it's been an ambition of mine to win a Lonsdale belt outright and I'm just one win from that.

"It took me 13 years and three attempts to win it for the first time, but I never gave up hope and now I want to win it for keeps. That would be a tremendous achievement and it's something I would treasure. I want that belt on my mantelpiece and its one thing that's really driving me on now."

The European crown appeared to be staying in the Thaxton home when he felled Mezaache in the first round, but the visitor spat out his gumshield, recovered and went on to win a points decision.

"I thought I won that fight and a lot of people agreed with me, but unfortunately the three judges saw it the other way and they are the people that matter," Thaxton said.

"I should have had him out of there in the first round when I had him down but he spat out his gum shield and bought himself some time that way.

"I'm a sporting guy but that for me wasn't playing by the rules.

"I still have a bad taste in my mouth from the way I lost my European title.

"It cost me a world title fight so I've a point to prove now and that makes me a very dangerous fighter. My determination, discipline and dedication has got me to British and European titles and I'm very proud of that and my ambition now is go get both of those titles back again and then take it from there."

Tickets for the York Hall event are available from Sportlink on 01603 868606.