By Ben Evans
FORMER Welsh boxer, Colin Jones, has spoken of his pride at finally receiving his MBE, awarded in the Queen’s birthday honours of 2020.
Jones, who won British, Commonwealth and European welterweight titles in a 30-fight professional career in the 1970s and 80s, was at Windsor Castle earlier this month for the delayed presentation of his gong due to the Civid pandemic.
And the 62-year-old, who boxed at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, before winning 26 of his 30 professional fights, with 23 coming via knock-outs, savoured the “unique” experience.
Jones told Expo: “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 just a huge honour.
“It’s a fantastic couple of days when you go to Windsor 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 occasion as “a real eye-opener”.
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 won against Kirkland Laing.
He added: “This award is certainly up there with all my boxing accolades throughout my career”.
Swansea-born Jones now finds himself coaching amateurs with the Welsh Boxing Association.
He oversees the progress of those aspiring to big things in the boxing game.
And while the transition to coaching is not something every boxer is suited to, Jones said: “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 found quite easy.”
The profile and reputation of Welsh boxing has risen considerably over the last few decades.
Jones believes he is now working with an “elite group” some of whom may well make a name for themselves at the Commonwealth Games next year in Birmingham.
Jones also highlighted the recent achievements of Olympic gold-medalist, Lauren Price, a product of the boxing programme he currently coaches with.
He believes she could achieve just as much once she makes the transition to professional.
