Ashford boxer Jack Way wins IBC world light-heavyweight title in just his fifth professional fight

Boxer Jack Way has won a world title after just five professional bouts.

Way, from Ashford, claimed the IBC light-heavyweight title with a ruthless stoppage victory in Mansfield on Saturday night.

The 35-year-old proved too strong for opponent Konrad Nowicki, with the referee calling a halt midway through the second round.

Victory also secured the WBU European crown, having already lifted a British challenge title with a 15-second knockout in his short career.

Way came through the unlicensed scene before turning professional at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

He was a man in a hurry to win titles.

“Because of my age, I didn’t want to be fighting nobodies and building myself up, like most boxers do,” said Way.

“I wanted a quick route to the titles I wanted to win.

“It was an amazing feeling when they called my name and said I was world champion.

“My name will always be there in the record books.”

Way was backed by up to 50 travelling fans in the Midlands, describing them as “the loudest in the building”.

His fight was also filmed for an upcoming BBC documentary and the boxer hopes his title success will open doors.

“I’m just waiting for the calls now,” he said.

“The WBA (the oldest major governing body in boxing) were there and I’m waiting for a call from them.

“I’ll go where they want me to go and fight whoever they want me to fight.”

Way runs Double J Boxing on the Ellingham Industrial Estate, a club with between 60 and 70 members, aged seven to mid-50s.

This weekend they have four youngsters in schoolboy finals.

“It’s buzzing down at the club,” said Way. “Hopefully we’ll have four champions.”

Way would like to thank coaches Sammy Kingwell, Tony Way and Aaron Boynton, along with sponsors Local Scaffolders, P