Sheffield’s 'Silky' Jones marks world title milestone
For those who were privileged to be ringside at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre 30 years ago, tomorrow, it was a night never to be forgotten.
Sheffield's Paul 'Silky' Jones climbed the summit of world boxing to become WBO Super Welterweight champion, taking the title from American-based Verno Phillips.
It was a landmark occasion in the history of Sheffield boxing, made all the more dramatic by the score cards after 12 hard rounds.
One judge had the bout tied at 113-113, but the other two handed the prize to the Sheffielder.
Just three days past his 29th birthday, Jones had toppled a respected fighter with a formidable pedigree.
His place in history was secured on that Barry Hearn bill - he was the first black British-born fighter to win that title.
To coincide with this milestone, Paul is launching his autobiography, 'I Wore a Crown.*'
In September, The Star detailed a sensational aspect to the book...the Hunters Bar-born boxer revealed how he emigrated from his parents' home at the age of ten to live with his uncle in Jamaica where he was kept as a "slave."
He eventually returned to England and fought his way up the boxing ladder before landing the WBO prize.
The former King Ecgbert schoolboy was later stripped of the title, and his book details why.
"Now, 30 years on, Paul speaks openly, exposing the realities of boxing and sharing a story of resilience, survival, and truth" says Jones' team.
The tome exposes "the darker realities of boxing and its politics."
Jones' final outing fight was a victory over the future European Super Middleweight champion Kreshnik Qato, in Millwall. He retired in 2002 with a record of 31-12-1. He now lives in the Midlands.
* I Wore a Crown will be available on Amazon from tomorrow (November 22).