JAMES Griffiths, the likeable “Baggie Boy” of pro boxing, is so close to a title fight, he and his fans can taste it.
On Saturday, on BCB’s title show at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton, the popular middle who turned over without fanfare goes for his 10th straight pro win.
After that, a Midlands title fight surely beckons.
Nothing confirmed, but I understand Leeds journeyman Joe Hardy will be in the opposite corner. Griffiths’ unbeaten run appears fairly safe.
“If, three years ago, you’d asked me if I’d take being 10-0, I would’ve probably said, ‘yes, I’ll take it,” Griffiths admitted.
Inside the ring, the Wombourne 30-year-old has, as yet, encountered few problems.
Outside it, James’ dream was nearly smashed by a serious works accident last year. His thumb was severed off, but saved by surgeons.
Amazingly, he was back in action within seven months, outpointing Josh Cook in October. “I really wasn’t ready to fight, but decided to go through with it,” Griffiths said.
“My head wasn’t in it because I couldn’t punch properly. Now everything’s fine, I feel I’m transitioning into a full-time pro. I need to push on. Everything happens for a reason.”
Before the injury, Griffiths was named challenger for Troy Coleman’s Midlands title. The accident put paid to that and, in any case, Coleman had his eyes on bigger prizes and vacated.
His time will come again, sooner rather than later.
“If a Midlands comes, I’ll 100 per cent take it,” Griffiths said. “I’ve never wanted to rush into things, I don’t do this purely for money. I don’t want to be cannon-fodder, take a fight on a big show, lose and think, ‘that’s my chance gone’.”
To that end, Griffiths has adopted a step-by-step approach to his career, taking sensible fights and gradually climbing up the rankings. He’s looked impressive while learning the trade, possibly more impressive than some predicted.
“I’ve never stopped putting the work in,” the die-hard West Brom fan stressed. “I’ve lived it fight by fight, I’ve gone through what comes with it – the camps and personal life.
“To be honest, the improvements made aren’t because of the fights – and that’s no disrespect to the boxers I’ve faced, they’re tough lads. It’s more the sparring and different camps – things click, get easier.
“I think you’ll see a different style on Saturday – the way I pick my shots better.”
Griffiths’ appearance on the big show is, in part, thanks to a little help from his friends.
“Three of my mates sponsored me for this one,” he added. “They said, ‘we’ll help you’ and bought tickets and table. I can’t thank them enough for that.”
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