Jordan Ellison hopes a successful defence of his Northern Area light-welterweight title could propel him into an English championship shot.
The Seaham boxer puts his belt on the line on Saturday, May 4 just a few miles down the road at Houghton, where he will face unbeaten North Shields star Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hodgson.
His challenger, with eight straight wins to his name, will start as favourite, but Ellison is a man who knows how to upset the odds and is in no mood to relinquish his favourite boxing possession.
The 28-year-old has spent almost his entire career on the road as a journeyman, a fighter not afraid to go into another boxer’s backyard or take on some of the best in the sport. That is why his record reads 15 wins, three draws and 52 defeats.
It all means Ellison has earned a fair living from fighting out of the away corner, but this Saturday on the VIP Boxing Promotions show at nearby Rainton Arena, it’s all about the glory, not the money.
“I’m aiming to defend my title and bring the belt back home,” he said.
“My dream would then be to get a shot at the English Championship. It will be hard to do with my record, but if I can beat Tommy then I’ve got a chance.
“A worst-case scenario would be getting an eliminator for the English title. But first things first, I must keep hold of my title.”
Ellison (pictured right) has his work cut out against a highly decorated amateur-turned-professional, who has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks.
But the Co Durham athlete has form when it comes to ending unbeaten records.
Of Jordan’s 15 pro wins, 10 have come against undefeated opponents, most recently in November when he brought a halt to Kai Richmond’s 100 per cent run by outpointing the Spennymoor boxer in Middlesbrough.
Ellison’s fight log is littered with many such a big night and while respectful of his 27-year-old foe, he is not fazed by the prospect.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight,” said Jordan, who suspects the contest will be fought at close quarters.
“He is someone I respect and he’s game for a fight. It’s going to be a gruelling fight and I’ve trained to be ready to go into a dark, hard place.
“I’m certain both of us are going to have to bite down on our gum shields at some point.
“I’ve certainly not taken this lightly and I’m sure Tommy’s not taking me lightly either.
“It could end up with being a phone-box fight. Tommy looks like he prefers to stay in mid-range, but we’ll see.
“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to keep my belt, I’ll box and move if I have to and I’m prepared to stand and fight.
“Whatever Tommy brings, I’ll be ready. I’ve had that many fights and faced that many styles I know how to adapt.
“If he had something I’d never seen before then I might be worried, but he’s not got that.
“I’ve been in with some of the best stylists in the business and I’ve been in with some of the hardest in the business. I’ve seen it all.”
It will be Ellison’s third Northern Area championship fight in the Rainton Arena, having been stopped by Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson back in 2016 at lightweight before beating Ritson stablemate Terence Wilkinson for the vacant light-welterweight belt in November 2021.
“I’ve good memories and bad memories of Rainton Arena,” he said. “I’ve had one challenge and lost, then one challenge and won. I need to make Saturday a massive memorable moment.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
