My name is Jonas Railton I am a boxer from Seconds Out Boxing Club, Ferryhill. From the age of 8 years old, I have learnt the skills required to become a talented boxer being taught and developed by my coach, whom is also my dad. Since the age of 11 and being able to box competitively I have won 19 fights losing out on only 3 of 22 in total.
How did you get into the sport of boxing and at what age?
When I was about 5 years old I’d often go to the gym with my dad when he was training or coaching. I’d often go to the gym and have a bit mess about with the other lads. I’d often join in and go running with them. I’d go with my dad to club shows and championships so I’ve been around boxing from a very young age.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I’d probably have to say Mac (James) McMeekin. I’d always watch him train and spar from a very young age. I’ve travelled the country and been as far as Ireland to support him and seen him achieve many of his 7 national titles including boxing for England in tri nations where boxed a Welsh kid and win gold. Mac also follows me now. He often gives me advice and supports me In my training when he can.
What does it mean for you to be a boxer?
To be honest I just enjoy the sport. It is a tough sport as you can play football but you can’t play boxing. I enjoy the training and having something to focus on. The feeling you get when you step through them ropes is unreal. I can’t really describe what it means to be a boxer but only those that have boxed will understand what it feels like when you compete and your hand is raised and all that blood sweat and tears you’ve endured during training pays off.
What kind of diet do you prefer?
I love me food. When I’m not training I’ll eat out, like a human dust bin but as the saying goes if you put shit in you get shit out, so while I’m in training I eat healthy. Plenty protein (meat), veg and fruit.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy biking to be honest. Going to hamsterly and the likes doing the bike trails and going out with me mates playing football and going to watch football with me old Granda.
What is your favourite sports quote?
“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Constant hard work gains success. Greatness will come. “
If you could share the ring and spar with any boxer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Joe Calzaghe because he was just unbelievable the best super middleweight boxing has ever seen.
What one word describes you?
Humble
How do you prepare for a fight?
Ooh the secret of my success stays with me…
I just train hard in the gym 3 nights a week. I usually run or do strength and conditioning on the other nights and 1 day off usually a Sunday day of rest to recover.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport?
I’d hope one day I’d represent my country by boxing for Team England or GB.
After boxing what do you hope to do?
I think I’ll always be around boxing but I leave school next year and I’m hoping to be Joiner. If I do well in boxing great but either way I always want something to fall back on. So I’m joining my uncle in his joinery business as an apprentice.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I am very proud of my achievements so far having become x3 Tyne Tees & Wear Champion, England Boxing cadet National Champion, Wexford (Ireland) Box Cup Champion and Hull Box Cup Champion this year. Another great achievement for me in 2019, I was also awarded the Northern Echo’ Local Hero award for the “Most Promising New Talent”.
What was your toughest fight?
My toughest fight to date would be against Jake Lawlor from Ireland in Wexford Box Cup. A Very tough opponent.
