Unbeaten prospect signs to JE Promotions
Unbeaten super-featherweight prospect Jack Raines has signed management contracts with Joe Elfidh’s promotional outfit, JE Promotions.
The 130-pounder from Sittingbourne will next fight on JE Promotions’ ‘Make or Break’ show on February 24th at Mote Park, Maidstone.
The 25-year-old first debuted at the York Hall in May 2016 and has won all four bouts in the paid ranks, although his 20-months stint in the paid code has not been a straightforward journey.
He explained, “I turned over with Goodwin Promotions originally, but just had the one fight. There were a few complications, so I left and signed with James Paisley.
“I had three fights with James, but it just came to an end, really. James was great, and I talk very highly of him, but it just didn’t work for me, the structure I had in place wasn’t right, I needed more stability."
Raines, a father of one, is now based full-time in Kent, he siad, “I’m now training at Boxers Stable in Longfield with John Cole. It’s a new gym, my mate Frankie Phillips owns it and he’s just turned pro with Goodwin Promotions himself. I’ve got a good fan base, so I’m hoping to sell more tickets fighting closer to home.
“I’m pleased to have signed with Joe because I’ve never really been promoted before; I’ve had four fights, but no one really knows who I am."
Raines kicks off the year with four-rounder in his first fight under the JE Promotions banner, but plans to end the year with a title.
“By the end of 2018, I want to have won a Challenge belt, maybe even Southern Area title. I’m definitely looking to fight for titles this year.
“I want another four-rounder next, then look to step it up from there. I should hopefully be out again in March, either on one of Joe’s shows or somewhere else, I’m looking for a really active year with at least five or six fights.”
Boxing since five-years-old, Jack had over 50 amateur contests for various gyms – St Marys ABC in Chatham, Rumbles Boxing Academy in Sittingbourne, Brompton ABC in Chatham, and Repton ABC in London.
Raines won 40 of his 50 amateur contests and reached the finals of the NABC’s, losing out to Josh Leather, who ended up being the last ever boxer to beat him. Leather is currently ranked 12th in the IBF world rankings and is unbeaten in 13 pro fights with two IBF titles.
“I was beating Josh Leather until I got caught and received a standing eight-count, but then my trainer threw the towel in! I was 3-1 up on the computer scoring at the time.”
Raines switched to unlicensed boxing in his teens and won all six bouts, three by way of knockout, collecting the GBBU British welterweight title and defending it three times.
Raines plans to continue the title glory from the unlicensed to the paid ranks, “I’m reaching for the sky, I think I’m good enough to win the British title one day. My job, for now, is to keep fit and continue winning.”
Jack Raines is sponsored by TRS Transport Rental Services; Acktool Roofing; Everlast Property Maintenance; SB Landscaping Services; and KTS.
Make or Break for two super-bantamweights on JE Promotions’ next show http://britishboxingnews.co.uk/blogs/make-or-break-for-two-super-bantamweights-on-je-promotions-next-show