It’s from Aleppo to Eastside for Kay Jimenez’s pro debut
It’s from Aleppo to Eastside for Kay Jimenez when a dream comes true with his pro debut.
His paid bow comes at the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, as part of BCB Promotions’ closest card to Christmas, a fight night set for Thursday December 22.
The Syrian-born super welterweight has boxed at amateur level in his homeland, Spain and in England, where he has now settled in the second city.
Jimenez has linked up with father-and-son team Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr, who will comprise both his coaching and management team.
The 30-year-old picked up four national titles, as an amateur in Syria, and carried on competing to the tune of 55 bouts, with 47 wins among them.
He also claimed a silver medal at the Haringey Box Cup, while living in London, before returning to our shores, after a spell based in Spain.
Jimenez can’t wait to get stuck into his pro career, which has been years in the making for him, and is determined to make up for lost ground.
He said: “It’s taken me a long time to get here. I’ve had a few issues along the way, so I’m thankful for the opportunity to finally make my pro debut.
“I was born in Aleppo (Syria). My dad is from Syria, but mum is from Madrid (in Spain). I believe they met through her mother, my grandmother.
“Dad was a nightclub owner and a lot of my family worked on the doors (as security for the venue), so that’s what I’ve been doing since I moved to Birmingham.
“I’m 30 now, but I was 20 when I first came to England. I went to Hooks (Boxing Club, London) and won a silver medal at the Haringey Box Cup (2014).
“I decided to drop my boxing, for a few years. I started to push again, in 2019, for what I’ve always wanted to become – a professional boxer.
“When Covid hit, I went and stayed with my mother, who lives in Marbella, and joined a boxing club over there (the Bull). I only ended up having two fights for them.
“I met a guy, in Marbella, called Warren Lynch, who is the son of Paddy Lynch (coach and Birmingham boxing legend). That’s where this story started for me.
“Warren’s daughter was at an equestrian school there and I like to ride horses. We had a chat and he promised to put me in touch with the McCrackens.
“I came to their gym (in Birmingham) and sparred with the lads. After three days, they offered me a contract. They found me a room, next to the gym, and I’ve never left!
“I think that I’ve got a few good years left in me and I’ve put my heart into the game. Wherever I lay my gloves, that’s my home!
“I can box, but I’ve got absolutely no problem with standing there and trading, either. In fact, I’d love that, because I come for a fight.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
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