NOT many pro debuts have caused the kind of stir created by identical twins Dave and Rob Jones, former army champs who took their paid bow on Sunday.
At 30, The brothers, from Shirley, have made the decision to “turn over” late, but stepped through the ropes at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn determined to make up for lost time. They want to fight for titles within a handful of contests.
They had big support and, in their words, “big noise” in the hotel’s intimate setting.
It is a journey worthy of headlines.
Dave and Rob, both light-welters, are not the first twins to turn pro in tandem – a rather handy East End pair, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, spring to mind. But I am not aware of identical twins making their debut on the same show.
History, I believe, was made at the Holiday Inn.
Dave said: “One hundred per cent we regret not turning pro sooner.
“We had the opportunity to turn over four years ago, but went down a different path.”
In those passing years they have watched close friend Troy Jones take the plunge into the paid ranks, win 12 bouts on the spin and collect the English light-heavyweight title.
They have probably considered what might have been.
“We both think we’re 18,” he added. So do I – at close to 67.
That “different path” took Dave and Rob to glory as military fighters and saw them box around the globe.
Now they are home, in Civvy Street and being guided by respected pro trainer Lee Beard.
“He’s a wizard,” Dave said. “Amateurs and pros are a different sport and you’ll see a major transition.”
Dave appears to have the easier four round outing this weekend. Opponent Paul Cummings has, after close to 100 bouts, a wealth of survival experience. But at the age of 38, the busy journeyman is slowing down and near the end. I expect Cummings to spoil and fiddle his way to points defeat.
In Newark, Nottinghamshire’s Connor Meanwell, Rob faces a fighter with a very different mindset. Meanwell is rough round the edges, has lost far more than he’s won, with just two wins in 22 contests, but always comes for a dogfight. He’s a very hard man who likes a tear-up.
“There will be nerves,” Rob admitted. “You wouldn’t be human without nerves. But they’re excited nerves.”
Sunday is the start for Dave and Rob Jones, a duo who believe they will hit twin peaks in their chosen profession.
