Jay Harris wants a second crack at world honours
Welshman Jay Harris (21-3, 11 KOs) looks to rejoin the world scene at flyweight after outpointing Connor Butler for the European, British and Commonwealth titles at the Olympia, Liverpool last Saturday, February 24.
The back-and-forth barnstormer resulted in a unanimous decision verdict in favour of the Swansea man, Jay Harris, who now hopes to give his family financial security in the 33-year-old’s remaining fights.
Speaking on DAZN, he said: “I had expected Connor to keep on the outside and on the back foot, but he decided to meet me head on, which worked in my favour.
“I am happy to have got my titles back and feel I can push on now as this is my last run in the sport.
“I am soon turning 34-years-old, and I want to settle down with the family and enjoy a normal life.”
The 5′ 5” flyweight last fought for a world title back in 2020, when he took Mexican champion Julio Cesar Martinez the distance in competitive affair, giving a spirited performance but ultimately losing on points, over in Texas, America.
Since then, the world title contender has racked up several impressive wins over the likes of British flyweight champion Marcel Braithwaite and, before the Butler fight, Sheffield’s ‘Super’ Tommy Frank.
Against Liverpool’s Butler, he showed that that there is still plenty more left in the tank, even at this late stage in his career.
But the champions in his talent-packed division are going to be a tough match for the Gary Lockett-trained fighter, with unified WBC and WBO belt holder Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez being mentioned in many’s top-10 pound-for-pound lists.
However, it is possible that, coming off his dominant performance over Sunny Edwards back in December last year, Bam might be eying more lucrative prospects up at super flyweight, which could give Harris the opportunity to fight for a vacant title.
Another champion at flyweight is his former opponent, Martinez, who is unlikely to give Harris another shot at his WBC strap.
The Welshman’s best shot at a world title will be IBO World flyweight championJackson Chauke, who recently came to the UK to defeat Kaisy Khademi for the vacant strap. Harris is currently ranked IBO #33 but his recent title crowning will elevate his world rankings across all the governing bodies.