Prior to his opposing Jordan Grannum back in March this year, the Derbyshire-based, Nottingham-born, middleweight, Jack ‘Juggernaut’ Hutsby, currently 6-0-1, had only had five professional outings, in four years – he’s now heading into what will be his third in as many months, and eighth overall.
The flip side of that record however is that, the better part of two years, from March 2020 onwards, was flushed away in the midst of global chaos and Jack, he was one of many from the world of sports who never got a look in and now, he, like his fellow fighters, are making up for lost time.
After defeating Grannum over four rounds, Hutsby stepped up to six last time out, taking care of business when opposing that of Fernando Valencia, he’s now chomping at the bit, ready to go again, after changing a few things around that is.
“I’ve been boxing since I was eleven and had around sixty, amateur fights,” began Jack, looking back on his career to date.
“I won the light heavyweight belt, in the amateurs, and successfully defended it three times.
“But I just wanted to progress, and get better at the sport, whilst having the right people around me to do so.”
That is exactly what he did, winning his debut a little over four years ago, against Callum Ide, at the North Notts Arena, then, following a draw in his next contest, against Geraint Goodridge, won his next three (pre-covid).
The ring return however (post-covid), it taught Jack a few lessons, lessons that, with the words of wisdom of those around him ringing in his ears, have been learnt.
In facing Grannum, again at the North Notts Arena, in what was a few days shy of four years since he made his professional bow, the Scott Calow-promoted fighter suffered, well, you may say, a little ring-rust, admitting himself he nearly came unstuck.
“I kept on working during the pandemic as my job is often classed as being in the emergency bracket,” explained Jack.
“However, although I was doing training, I wasn’t running as much.
“It’s not something that interested me after a long day at work.
“Then, in my first fight back (against Grannum) I was put on my backside, that and my footwork was all over the place.
“I learnt a lesson that night, about journeyman, and what they’re here to do; it certainly boiled down to my own mentality.”
After stepping up to six rounds in his last outing, defeating Fernando Valencia, the middleweight title hopeful is keeping everything crossed for a six-rounder come his next fight.
After a few changes (isn’t there always) in opponent, it’s looking like the Harvey Hadden Sports Village will see him oppose a tough Slovakian on Saturday (18 June) night.
And Jack is hoping the differing changes he’s had implemented in his fight camp can pay dividends.
“I feel good, all-in-all,” added Jack.
“I’ve changed a few things round though this time.
“I’ve been concentrating on my fitness levels before my technique.
“But that’s what this game is about, isn’t it? Constant learning.”
As for moving forward, Jack was supposed to have an Area title fight in recent times, opposing that of George Farrell, 6-1(1) he having lost a Midlands title scrap (TKO7) with River Wilson Bent, 12-0-1(5) last May, the latter will be challenging for the English strap later this month.
“I want to be up there, challenging for titles,” admits Jack.
“I’m hoping for the Midlands later this year, then a shot at the English early next, maybe.
“Scott though, he’ll have a plan of action in his mind, I just hope that includes a title fight at the end of the year.”
Jack Hutsby will be looking to extend his unbeaten record this coming Saturday, 18 June, when he appears on the undercard of the Midlands Area flyweight title contest between Liam Dring and Benn Norman, on the Scott Calow/Boxing Connected show, at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @J4CK_HUTSBY pictured left is looking for a seventh pro win.
