Top amateur Joe Lovell becomes part of Chester's boxing rebirth
As broken on these very pages, a new era begins for Chester boxing on December 5th. Well respected promoter and manager Mick Carney has taken over the reins of the city's local fighters and the sense of anticipation on the local scene is palpable. Fighters who had talent, but no-one to organise the title shots will hopefully not be left to stagnate, or may now not have to battle on other promotional companies cards as the away fighter. This could be the biggest revolution of Chester's boxing fortunes in a lifetime.
So it seems fitting that on this show, the most exciting Chester fighter in years will turn pro. 19-year-old Joe Lovell, Welsh senior champ and highly regarded talent will start punching for pay, hoping to ride the crest of this proverbial wave. It was many years ago, when Joe began his voyage to where he is today.
“I, like most, started as a young lad (aye, you're getting on at 19 - Ed.). My older brother and younger started going, so I decided to give it a go myself. From then on I was hooked straight away I loved it. And to be honest I took to it very quickly.”
The precocious talent soon gained a reputation, gaining the Welsh junior title, comfortably outpointing Joe Maggs 24-5 and just under a year later brushing aside Dale Evans 18-6 for the senior title. Also in that period he was called for the British trial squad, and was beaten by just a point, when he fought the Irish champion. Lovell remembers that particular contest.
“Yes, I remember that fight against the Irish lad. I remember the referee saying that given another ten seconds he would have stopped the fight as he was running away wanting no part of it, I nearly had him finished. I was pretty happy with my amateur record I had 57 fights and won 38. I also got my amateur vest for Wales.”
With this level of success being achieved, it was no surprise when Lovell was being touted for a Commonwealth games slot in Delhi. It was a competition that many who know him, felt he would do well in. Sadly the boxing gods were not on his side this time.
I was born English, but I was living in Wales. I qualified for Wales due to some relations a while back. Sadly the board said I wasn’t able to go the games because I didn’t have enough Welsh blood. It would have been OK if my parents were Welsh, or my grandparents, but even though I was living in the country it just wasn’t to be. It was a kick in the teeth but you just have to carry on working don’t you?”
It seemed like the stage was set for the next chapter in Joe Lovell’s life. That would be his adventure into the pro ranks. And it was a Welsh legend who gave him a big push into punching for pay.
“I was fighting in the European champs and I lost to the Danish champ who had had about 150 fights. I actually got beat on double count back 3-2. Colin Jones (ex-welterweight world title challenger and murderous puncher), who was assistant coach, said he knew two lads in the country who could go pro and be a success, and that I was one of them. That was really nice to hear, Colin is a legend.”
Joe tuned over with renowned Chester trainer Steve Goodwin and will be fighting at around the welterweight mark. It was an easy decision to join the burgeoning camp Lovell says.
“I worked with Steve for eight years when I was younger and have known him ages. I know what he can do, and there is such a good camp there, it is a brilliant place to learn.”
Still, it can be a very hard transition, going from top amateur to decent young pro and eventually champion. Boxing’s history, and our own memory banks are cluttered with names who many thought would go on to achieve great things. They fail, and many feel that this is down to the way amateur fights are scored, favouring single shots that the judges can see, over clusters, body shots and a good jab, the fundamentals of a good pro. Joe however seems to be having no problems adjusting.
“I always had a good pro style and to be honest I had to adapt my style to become a success in the amateurs. As I said I was with Steve for eight years as an amateur and with him, working every day in the gym, it’s coming on really well. ”
But first stop will be December 5th against an as of yet, un-named opponent. Those in the know feel we could have something really special on our hands here, but that is no guarantee of success. Time will be the test. But when asked how far he thinks he can go, Joe Lovell is clear on what his intentions are.
“I want to go to the top.”
Short and concise. No grandiose comments, no arrogance of youth. Just a man on a mission to become something huge in his chosen profession. Chester is watching, and if those around him are not mistaken, Britain, and the world may not be too far behind.
