Jono Carroll predicting quickfire Mexican finish

Jono Carroll [16(3)-1(0)-1] is aware he faces a tougher than average foe in tough Mexican terrain tomorrow night, but is determined to secure just the fourth stoppage of his career.

The recent world title challenger returns to action on the undercard of Juan Francisco Estrada’s WBC super-flyweight title defence against Dewayne Beamon in Mexico on Saturday – and he is eager to serve up a reminder of his finishing capabilities.

‘King Kong’, who stopped Saming Chopchai in 2013, Humberto de Santiago in 2017 and Declan Geraghty a year later, is determined to take the short route to victory on the Matchroom card this weekend. 

The Dubliner is looking for an emphatic return to winning ways following an IBF super featherweight world title defeat to Tevin Farmer – and is hoping to get the job done in five.

He admits  Eleazar Valenzuela [20(16)-11(2)-4] will prove tough, but power is something the southpaw has been working on as he bids to make the transition from a world level fighter to a world champion.

“Valenzuela is hard as nails but I would like to stop him. Maybe a body shot will get him out of there,” Carroll said.

“The heat over here is unreal and we don’t get paid for overtime so I’m thinking around the fifth round. That’s my short-term goal but it won’t be easy, that’s for sure!

“A lot of people know this guy in the gyms over here and everyone says he’s very touch so what’s most important is that I use my head.”

Carroll was out pointed by Tevin Farmer as he moved up to elite level last year. The Dubliner was brave, game and energetic throughout, but was out pointed by a world champion who holds a win over James Tennyson.

The brilliantly bearded puncher has moved to make improvements and is certain the next time a world title is on the line he will claim victory.

“I want a world title shot next year and I bet my life on winning in it. There’s no more messing around. I’m giving boxing my all now and after this fight, I’ll be straight back to the gym and learning more,” he adds before dismissing the location of this weekend’s scrap could make it a banana skin.

“As for fighting away on hostile territory, I’ve only fought once in Dublin so I’m used to being on the road. I just like to fight and enjoy the test of going to people’s back yards.”