Jerome Wilson - the educated novice plans route to titles
"You know what Martin, as long as Jerome keeps working hard, he can go on to become something major in this sport."
These are the encouraging words of Dave Coldwell, who was speaking about his latest prospect Jerome Wilson. Sheffield-born Jerome has compiled an unbeaten record of two wins, one coming by stoppage since he turned pro in February 2010. His incredibly fast hands, coupled with his silky skills have earmarked him as one of those prospects who could be coming from under the radar. Guys who haven't had the build up, but who look like they could well and truly make a mark on the game.
Jerome has not come the traditional route. Wilson, a well spoken, intelligent type, was a late starter to the game.
“I first went down the gym when I was 16. It was in Hyde Park and was one of Dave's first gyms. I was an all round sportsman but was mainly into basketball, I played at regional level and went down the gym for fitness. I stuck with it and ended up sacking off the basketball. There were some very good fighters there. Simon Francis was my biggest inspiration (who compiled a 6-0 record in the mid 2000's before falling off the map). Other guys were there such as Nicki Smedley. I got very competitive and realised this was what I wanted to do.”
Still, despite his natural physical talent, Jerome was to prove to be a late developer, this being due to out of ring activities. Not the ones associated with some young boxers that we all sadly hear about in the press. This was the 'E Word', EDUCATION.
“My education was always really important to me and when I was younger I did a sports and recreation course. During that course I learned a lot about coaching, I got lifeguard qualifications and a lot of other things such as training to become a fitness instructor. It was then I decided I wanted to try and do something a bit more demanding so I started a degree in Leisure Management. I passed that course, got my degree and after that I did some travelling and worked on a cruise ship, doing fitness instructing and sports massage. It was then that I realised what path I wanted to take, I wanted to become a boxer.”
This does seem a convoluted route to becoming a fighter. But it is a route that may well have the greatest success. Many fighters go off the rails, they start young and boxing is all they know. In the end their blessing becomes a curse. Many start not living the life and losing fights they wouldn't usually expect to. Some end up leaving the sport altogether and becoming those sad wastes of talent we look back on in five years and ask 'Whatever happened to so and so?' Jerome Wilson does not NEED to become a boxer, he WANTS to. It is that desire that could well lead him to the top.
During this period Jerome engaged on a solid, if unspectacular amateur career 'winning more than he lost' but hardly setting the world alight. Still, since he decided that boxing was his life choice, things have gone from strength to strength for the 25-year-old. And a lot of that he feels is down to his trainer and mentor Dave Coldwell.
“Dave has lots of knowledge and a lot of connections. He is a very good coach, what he says, I do. He is one of those guys that you either love or hate, but I know he is always out for what is best for me, I realise that now. I want to go all the way and he will get me there.”
The improvements have been for all to see. Jerome, believes the biggest improvement has come between the ears.
“Mentally I am a lot stronger. During my education, I admit it, I wasn't that dedicated. Now I am more determined. Fight by fight I am learning. Against Johnny Greaves I was very nervous, I I had been out for the ring for ages and Dave told me just to get the rounds under my belt. Against Danny Dontchev I was more aggressive, more relaxed. The nerves were still there, but not as much. As a fighter I have always had fast hands, they are like lightning. But now I have more stamina and I am punching harder.”
That view is shared by Dave Coldwell, who believes the new dedication is shining through and the improvement will be there for all to see.
“I really think he has turned the corner. He has finished his education and he is now completely dedicated to the sport. There has been massive improvement, he has always been classy but he would always fade after a round of two. Now he is getting stronger round by round, he is becoming a complete fighter. The only thing he lacks is experience but he will get that now he is devoted to boxing. He has been sparring with Denton Vassell and he was really impressed with Jerome.”
Despite Jerome's new dedication to the sport, he still finds time to help the youngsters around the area. He works as a play worker at the local community centre, as well as running boxercise classes. In a world where boxers seems to be making all the wrong headlines, Wilson appears to be trying to have a positive impact on society, as well as the pugilistic scene. It is an attitude that has to be applauded.
Still, Jerome Wilson is now an name inside the squared circle, as well as in his local community. He is what we call, a 'prospect'. Nothing, however, may cynical types will tell us, has been achieved. Many prospects break under the strain of expectation. When Dave Coldwell points you out as one to watch, the people will watch. Wilson has no worries about the added pressure.
“I know it is there for me if I want to take it. I am learning so much from the guys I am sparring with and I know what I can achieve. I love the sport and can't see myself doing anything else. Yes, you know I have a back up plan, but hey, I have no intention of using it.”
So how far does Jerome Wilson feel he can go? He may have come the long way around but where will the journey finish?
“I can go all the way. Many people say that but I'm telling you, I really mean it, we are talking about lots of titles here. Many people have believed in me, now it is time to prove them right. I can be a champion for a long time. It took me a long time to turn pro, I had to get things sorted. Now I am here though, and it is making me even more determined."
Jerome gets his next chance to show off his skills on September 19th at the Magna Centre in Rotherham. If Wilson is as good as Coldwell believes him to be, and is dedicated as the man himself most certainly is, then the world definitely seems his oyster. It may not be long before Jerome Wilson is a name on everybody's lips.
