Mike Jones on his way to the Garden to battle Sebastian Lujan on Saturday

By Boxing News - 12/01/2011 - Comments

Image: Mike Jones on his way to the Garden to battle Sebastian Lujan on SaturdayBy John F. McKenna (McJack): Philadelphia welterweight contender Mike Jones (25-0, 19 KO’s) will open the Pay Per View (PPV) broadcast on Saturday night for the Antonio Margarito – Miguel Cotto fight at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Jones will be taking on the rugged Argentinean Sebastian Lujan (38-5-2, 24 KO’s).

The winner will get a shot at Randall Bailey for the IBF title belt that was recently vacated by Andre Berto. Jones, who was trained by the late Joe Frazier as an amateur turned pro in 2005 and has progressed steadily under trainer Vaughn Jackson. Jones is promoted by hall of fame trainer Russell Peltz.

Jones began his career with 12 straight KO’s, 11 of those KO’s were inside of three rounds and five stoppages were in the first round. Because of his early KO stoppages Jones has acquired a reputation as a feared puncher.

Mike got his first big opportunity when he fought on the Pacquiao – Margarito undercard on November 13, 2010. Jones fought Jesus Soto-Karass and landed a huge right hand in the 2nd round that staggered Soto-Karass. Looking to end the fight early Jones poured on the heavy artillery for two rounds, wearing himself out in the process. Jones hung on to win the fight. In a rematch Jones defeated Soto-Karass convincingly showing his maturity in the process.

Jones scored a 2nd round KO over Raul Munoz in a stay busy fight last June at the Philadelphia Arena.

Mike is excited at the prospect of fighting at Madison Square Garden Saturday night on the undercard of the Margarito – Cotto fight. A win over Lujan will propel Jones to a title shot and give him some much needed exposure on a national level.

Lujan will not just be a stepping stone for Jones. He is on a 12 fight winning streak and has high aspirations of his own. He holds KO victories over Walter Matthysse and Mark Melligen, as well as a decision win over Jose Luis Castillo.

Lujan is known as a tough fighter with a good chin. At 5’6” he will undoubtedly attempt to press the fight and turn it into a brawl on the inside against the 6’1” Jones. Mike is under no illusions and realizes that the fight may very well turn into a war of attrition.



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