Jack Budge confident ahead of Battle of Kent
Medway vs Maidstone in the Battle of Kent
Medway’s Jack Budge (4-0) is preparing for his first title fight against Maidstone’s Chris Matthews (10-2) on April 27 at Mote Park in Maidstone as the stablemates clash for the vacant Southern Area featherweight title.
It’s the first time in history that two Kent boxers have contested the Southern Area featherweight championship in the county of Kent. The said title was last disputed at the same venue in May 2017, but Orpington’s Martin Hillman failed to dethrone the reigning champion, Jamie Speight, from Devon.
Hailing from Hoo, unbeaten Jack Budge was full of confidence just one month from fight night, “Camp’s all started and going good. I’ve relocated up north and training with Kerry Evans now. We’re working hard and training for 10 rounds.
“I had a nasty cut in my last fight, so we’re not risking opening that back up, so been doing lots of pad work, bag work, high intensity training, and leaving sparring to later on in camp. I come out of training dripping, so I’m working hard!”
His fifth opponent, Chris Matthews, has experienced three times the fights as a paid puncher, but Budge boasts the better amateur pedigree having won the ABAs and Three Nations.
“I’ve had 60-70 fights now in total, but it’s a lot different in the pro game. A lot of people were saying it’s a bit early, but at this stage in my career, it’s not about money because the amount you get ain’t gonna’ change your life.
“For me, I don’t want to dodge anyone, I got the shot then got told I was facing Chris Matthews but he’s not gonna’ want it more than I want it.”
24-year-old Matthews has been signed to JE Promotions since the start of his career in 2015, whereas Budge only joined Joe Elfidh’s stable last year after moving back home to Kent from Berkshire, following an injury sustained when apprenticed as a jockey.
“I had my debut then I was out for two years, then I signed with Joe about a year ago now. I’m still young, I’m only 24, but we ain’t got interest in wasting time or paydays or easy options, we just want names and fights.”
Just four fights into his pro career, the title shot has come very early for the featherweight prospect but the eager boxer is already looking ahead to winning the title and what opportunities could follow on from that.
“I see it opening doors, we’ll win it then sit down with my manager, have a chat, and we’ll see where we go. One or two defences maybe, then look forward towards Commonwealth or English. I’ll see what roads we could take and start working towards them.
“I’m not looking past him, I’m looking through him. I see this as a stepping stone to bigger things and we’re confident we’ll get the win. I think this fight will be my best performance because I’m fighting a lad that wants to win. Chris is coming in 100 per cent thinking he’s gonna’ beat me and I’m coming in 100 per cent thinking I’m going to win, so it’ll make for a good fight. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Medway vs Maidstone rivalry has already elevated the impending event, with Budge selling out his allocation of tickets and having to request more.“It adds a little more rivalry and pressure, if you like. I’ve sparred Chris and done a few rounds with him, and we was around the same time in the amateurs as well.
“Bragging rights is always big, but for me I respect everyone, so I’ll shake his hand before we fight and happily shake it after the fight as well. I like him as a person and respect him, but he’ll be coming to win and I’ll be coming to win, so it’ll make for a good fight.”
Not only has the title tilt increased ticket sales, but it has also improved Budge’s ability to make weight.
He explained, “I always leave my weight until the last minute, but with title fights there’s check weights, so I’m doing the weight in a better manner for once.
“I think I’ll be a lot better over the 10-round distance, the body shots will take their toll over time and make the difference.”
There has only been a handful of Southern Area featherweight champions over the past 20 years including Paul Halpin; Rocky Dean; Matt Marsh; Akaash Bhatia; Ian Bailey; the aforementioned Jamie Speight; and Josh Kennedy from nearby Folkestone. Either Budge or Matthews will be adding their name to that esteemed list to become the new Southern Area featherweight champion and the pride of Kent.
Also on the stacked event, titled ‘Make or Break 2’, is the ‘Main Man’ Lenny Fuller (5-0); super-featherweight prospect Jack Raines (5-0); welterweight Danny Barrett (2-0); Margate’s Paul Brown (3-0); three-time Southern Area title contender Martin Hillman (13-6); and debutants Jimmy Peckham, Dave Matthews and Jordan Smith all making their pro bow on the same night.
Jack asked to thank his sponsors: Metric Scaffolding, Willow Pumps, FRS Roofing and ABC Products.
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