Rising star Finley James secures Southern Area welterweight title shot

Finley James remains undefeated with shutout victory over Gregores

Rising Essex welterweight star Finley James (9-0) maintained his unbeaten record with a dominant points victory over Ezequiel Gregores on Saturday night, April 25, at the historic York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Finley now heads into a sizzling summer showdown for the vacant Southern Area welterweight championship against Londoner Robert Lloyd Taylor (12-0, 1 KO) on Saturday, 27 June, returning to York Hall.

The road to this title fight hasn’t been straightforward. Taylor has twice withdrawn from two previously scheduled Southern Area title clashes against Finley, citing injuries on both occasions. He was expected to be ringside on Saturday night to enter the ring after Finley's victory and promote their June showdown, but failed to show. However, Finley remains fully focused on finally getting Taylor in the ring and settling the score this summer.

Gregores, from Buenos Aires, Argentina and fighting out of Majorca, arrived in London was full of confidence after scoring a third‑round stoppage victory in his previous bout just the previous Saturday that made him a clear threat to unbeaten James.

But Finley rose to the challenge, producing a shutout performance and winning every round on the referee's scorecard with a commanding 80‑72 verdict. The victory extends his perfect professional record to 9‑0.

James entered the fight against Gregores with consecutive victories over two opponents with winning records that strengthened his progression toward title contention. Saturday's dominant display proved he is on the right track towards his first title challenge.

James said afterwards, "Gregores was strong and aggressive, but we stuck to the plan and got the result. I'm pleased with how I boxed and stayed patient under pressure. As for Taylor — he was supposed to be here tonight and didn't turn up. That says it all. Let's see if he actually shows up on June 27. He's got no excuses. I'm coming for that belt."

Co manager Richard Maynard of Strike Sports Management said, “That was a disciplined and professional performance from Finley against a dangerous opponent. Gregores came off a stoppage win and wanted to cause a huge upset, but Finley handled the pressure brilliantly and won every single round.  Now it's time for him to take that next big step on June 27 against Taylor in his first title challenge.”

Co‑Manager and Trainer Mark Tibbs added, "Finley boxed a very smart fight on Saturday. He controlled the distance, picked his shots well, and never let Gregores into the contest. That's exactly what we've been working on in the gym, staying composed and trusting the game plan. He's improving all the time and he'll be ready for June 27.”

Outside the ring, Finley is in another fight as continues to represent his community with pride as an ambassador for the 'Save Pie and Mash' campaign, led by Conservative MP Richard Holden, that aims to have the traditional East End dish recognised and protected as part of Britain's cultural food heritage.

James added, "It's great to support something that celebrates where we come from, Pie and mash is part of who we are, it's about honouring local tradition.”