Former Welsh boxer, Colin Jones, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours services for services to boxing and received his medal at Windsor Castle last week.
Jones, experienced an incredible career in both amateur and professional boxing. A knockout specialist who won 26 of his 30 fights, with 23 coming by KO finish. He became the British, Commonwealth and European welterweight champion and before turning professional he also represented Great Britain at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Speaking on his MBE award in Windsor, Jones said: “It’s unique really. It’s very hard to put it into words, it was such a big occasion, to be honoured in that respect and outside of the boxing fraternity, it was something different and unique.
“It’s a fantastic couple of days when you go there and have your honour. It’s nice for the family and it’s nice for everybody in boxing as well, to share that with you”.
Welsh rugby captain, Alun Wyn Jones was also present to receive his OBE award on the day and Jones described the day as a “real eye-opener”, with regards to the occasion.
As such an accomplished professional, Jones ranks this award up there with his 1983 BBC Sports Wales Personality of the Year award and his first British title against Kirkland Laing, stating, “this award is certainly up there with all my boxing accolades throughout my career”.
The Swansea-born boxer now finds himself coaching amateurs with the Welsh Boxing Association. For some, making the switch from fighting to coaching can be a real challenge but for Jones “it’s like riding a bike, once you do it, it comes to you easily. I’ve been in the game since the age of nine so making the transition was something I’ve found quite easy”.
Welsh boxing has risen considerably over the last few decades but even more so in the 2000s. Working with the number of amateurs that he currently is, Jones says he is working with an “elite group”, with many aiming to make a name for themselves at the Commonwealth Games that will take place next year in Birmingham.
The former professional also highlighted the recent achievements of Olympic gold-medalist, Lauren Price, stating she could achieve just as much once she makes the transition to professional. Price being a product of the boxing programme he currently coaches with.
There’s no doubt that with Colin Jones coaching the “budding superstars” of today, Wales could see many a more champions begin to emerge in the next few years.
Ben Evans Portfolio 