'New Calzaghe' Doran gets Barrie Jones test

Welsh sensation Tom Doran makes his first venture into championship class this month, when he squares off against expert stylist Barrie Jones for the vacant Welsh light-middleweight title. The bout, which will take place at the Deeside Leisure Centre in Queensferry on May 20th, will double as the first real test of the man many in the country are calling ‘the new Calzaghe’.

Jones may sport an unremarkable record of 16-7 (7 KO) but has fought for the British welterweight title (getting stopped in seven by Kell Brook) and was arguably robbed when he was defeated by ex-world champion Souleymene M’baye (losing by a single point over eight rounds).

Closer inspection of his record shows that Barrie is a man who never takes an easy fight and always acquits himself well. He will definitely be coming with the intention of beating Doran and one suspects his camp and fans will be confident of him doing it. Tom however is in confident mood ahead of the show.

“I can't wait to fight again in front of my home crowd and I’m expecting good support, especially as it’s for the title. I know that he is tough and has experience being in with some quality lads, but I expect to be too fast and strong for him.”

Time will tell, but one thing is for certain. If Doran is as good as those in the game think he is, he will need to get past Barrie Jones. It really could be a night where a star is born. Then again, that star could explode, destroying Doran’s hopes and dreams. Welsh boxing awaits with baited breath.