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Sittingbourne boxer Jack Raines targets fight with IBF world No.12 Josh Leather

Sittingbourne boxer Jack Raines has a score to settle after extending his 100% professional record.

Raines made it five wins out of five with a comfortable points victory over Luke Fash (2-33-2) at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old has made a solid start in the pro ranks and has his sights set on Josh Leather –the last man to beat him as an amateur.

Jack Raines (red trunks) gets to work behind his jab Picture: Countrywide Photographic
Jack Raines (red trunks) gets to work behind his jab Picture: Countrywide Photographic

Leather has made a name for himself since turning pro and is already ranked No.12 in the IBF super-lightweight world rankings after 13 straight wins.

Raines knows he has to keep winning to stand any chance of facing Leather again.

The amateur stoppage, in the NABC final, still rankles as he was winning at the time.

He said: “I boxed six times to get to the final, was 3-1 up on the computer, he caught me with a good shot, I got a standing eight count and the corner threw the towel in but I was winning the fight. Hopefully, we’ll meet again one day soon.”

Raines started boxing when he was five and had 50 amateur bouts and six unlicensed contests before turning pro two years ago.

His victory over Yorkshireman Fash was never in doubt, with the Sittingbourne man playing it safe behind his impressive jab for the full four rounds.

It was his first fight since linking up with promoter Joe Elfidh, who has high hopes for his new recruit.

Elfidh, who runs JE Promotions and puts on regular shows in Maidstone, said: “I’ve known Jack for a while in the pros and I’ve always said he’s a decent kid.

“I went to watch him at Crystal Palace and we got talking after and he decided to come along and be on the show with me as his manager.

“We had a little chat about what route we can go.

“He’s a Sittingbourne lad and now he can box with his home supporters.”

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