‘Put Portsmouth on the map’: Meet the hope flying flag for city across world and continuing proud dynasty
His grandfather is Olympic bronze medallist Ralph Evans, with a strong boxing bloodline for the Cosham prospect - who has big hopes to do his city proud.
Harry Jones has vowed to spread the Pompey gospel around the world as he makes his boxing name.
And the city’s latest prospect is aiming to continue a proud Portsmouth boxing dynasty in the process, as he undertakes his professional education across the globe.
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The Cosham hopeful is making his way in the sport’s paid ranks, after leaving the amateur code behind in spells with the likes of Warriors Gym and Waterlooville ABC.
And Jones is leaving no stone unturned as he carries out his formative pro steps Stateside, linking up with three-time world champion and hall of fame trainer John David Jackson in Miami.
The 20-year-old has also travelled to Spain, Tunisia and Paris for training camps and made his professional bow in Columbia last month, where he secured a second-round stoppage win over Camilo Sierra.
Jones returns to the same country next month for his next contest, with doing his home city proud being a big motivation.
He said: ‘I’m looking to make a mark in the professional ranks and it’s a great opportunity for me doing it across the world, I’m giving it my all.
‘I’m training with a good team, a three-time world champion and hall of fame trainer.
‘My coach, Michael Hobart, grew up in England and has taken me under his wing.
‘We’ve travelled around the world and had some great experiences. I’ve been out to Spain, Tunisia and we’ve gone to Paris, America and Colombia.
‘Going to Colombia to box isn’t easy when you fight one of their own. It’s all against you and the opponents aren’t laying down to let you win.
‘I’m still young and there’s no rush. I want to get these experiences behind me - before coming home to win titles.
‘I want to achieve things in this sport - and one of the main things I want to do is put Portsmouth on the map.
‘That’s a big thing for me. Just look at the football fanbase, we really stick together and pull each other through. We get behind our own, so it’s a very big part of what I want to achieve.’
Jones is continuing a long and proud family boxing tradition with the sport in his blood.
The former Mayville High School pupil’s grandfather is legendary 1972 Welsh Olympic bronze medallist, Ralph Evans, who is overseeing his training progress on these shores.
Evans’ great uncle, Wayne Evans, is one of Portsmouth’s favourite boxing sons who fought for the British title in the 70s. He's also related to boxing brothers - ABA champ Jamie, Gwyn and Gary Evans - who were all pros.
Jones added: ‘My grandad has taught me pretty much everything I know. He trained me for all of my amateur fights and is still there now as a pro.
‘I did my first pro camp in America, but this camp I’m doing back here at home.
‘He’s still training me and won an Olympic medal and represented Wales and Great Britain.
‘I’m the fifth pro from the family and my great uncle fought for the British title. He also knocked out the British and Commonwealth champion in the first round.
‘There’s nothing better than that family connection. It’s served me well and it’s a big motivation to see that family around me who’ve done it.
‘I’ve seen that success and that’s what I want now.’