JON Fernandez has no problem travelling to fight for the European title. What’s more, he’s inspired by the exploits of a powerful Spanish legend who has enjoyed success on British and Irish shores for years.
After Matchroom Boxing won the bid to stage the vacant European title fight between Jon and Dalton Smith, a September date could be announced soon. Fernandez will be seen as a dangerous puncher, similar to ‘La Sensacion’ Kiko Martinez.
“I have no problem going to Sheffield or going abroad to fight. We have experience with Kiko Martinez, who is in the same team as all of us. They had a great win against [Kid] Galahad, so no problem,” Fernandez said Boxing News.
In Dalton Smith’s last fight, he stepped up his game, looking impressive, taking down and knocking out Jose Zepeda. While the former world-class athlete is still a threat, Zepeda may not carry the same threat as he did in previous years.
“Dalton is a very good fighter, a very good operator and he had a very good performance against Zepeda. I thought Zepeda was a little bit over the top,” Fernandez said.
“He’s had some really good wins in the past, but it’s going to be a good challenge for me to play against Dalton and come into his backyard. It’s also going to be a really good and interesting challenge for Dalton to play against me, to see what level he’s at.”
Dalton Smith lands a right punch on Jose Zepeda during their super lightweight bout at Utilita Area Sheffield on March 23, 2024 in Sheffield, England (George Wood/Getty Images)
Fernandez was last seen beating former WBA world champion Jezreel Corrales in 10 rounds. Describing the Panamanian as an elusive client and a sophisticated, experienced operator, Dalton Smith will not be hard to find in the ring.
With 22 knockouts in Jon’s career, that opens up the potential for a fan-friendly fight. Smith once remarked briefly that Jon is a famous puncher.
In fact, it’s the first thing most observers notice. Fernandez is glad that statistic makes opponents nervous, but he also has other qualities to rely on.
“Of course, my punching power has been proven. The knockout power is not the only thing he has to worry about because I am also a very good technician and I will still be very well prepared tactically for the fight with Dalton that night.
“I have 100 per cent confidence in my team and I follow what my team says, with the instructions and tactics when it comes to the fight. But I think a fighter should also look at the fighter he is going to face, to look at the tactics, because I will be the one in the ring and see what I will do to overcome that challenge,” he added.
Coming in as an unbeaten prospect, many would consider Smith the favorite to take the fight. However, Fernandez sees this as an opportunity to win, return him to world class status and reignite his career.
“Yeah, Dalton is an undefeated prospect. He’s ranked very, very high with all the organizations, especially the WBC. For me, winning this European title fight would put me in a very good position with the WBC and going for the world title.”
A world title and the chance to follow in the footsteps of Kiko Martinez, the diminutive Valencian who beat Bernard Dunne to win the EBU crown in 2007 in front of a stunned home crowd.
Undefeated Dubliner Dunne, hailed by the Irish national media, on that warm August evening, 17 years ago, Kiko ripped up the script and delighted in flying every last piece of it across a shocked Point Depot arena.
Repeating the trick years later against Kid Galahad, entering the opposition’s field to launch a surprise attack, Dalton’s loyal fans in Sheffield were warned.
“Kiko is an inspiration, not only for Spanish boxers but for boxing all over the world. With just the pure determination he has, he always goes to the boxer’s backyard against all odds, like when he fought Galahad,” Jon Fernandez praised.
“He played the underdog to get beat, and he turned it around. He’s just an inspiration to all fighters and athletes in general.”
While Kiko was the biggest surprise, Fernandez was well aware that the responsibility of preparation, appearance and performance rested entirely on his shoulders.
“This is a very important fight in both of our careers. I am very excited, and I am sure Dalton is too. It has always been my dream to fight in England when I become a professional and on a big stage like this, to fight for the European title. It will be a tough fight, but hopefully the best will win.”
