Kays ‘open-minded’ over return to ring

Photo: Darren Robinson

Jon Kays: ‘I’ve realised over the winter that I’ve still got a lot to give this sport’.

JON Kays is almost ready to step back into the ring after a winter of reflection - and surgery.

Hurst Cross-based Oldham favourite Kays (32) stopped short of admitting he considered quitting altogether, but clearly needed time to weigh up where his professional career might go following October’s stunning WBO inter-continental lightweight title defeat to Manchester’s Adrian Gonzalez.

That took Kays’ still impressive record to only five defeats in 27 in the paid ranks, but there were reasons why his big night at the Manchester Arena ended so disappointingly.

“I stepped up to lightweight for the fight,” recalled Kays. “And I shouldn’t have done really. It’s too heavy for me, and on the night I felt too sluggish. I was carrying too much weight. I’m a super-featherweight and pretty much have been throughout my career.”

After an extended break - which included ankle surgery in January, ‘2-Smokes’ has returned to training at Boarshaw with Darren McCarrick - and has got his buzz back.

Former English super-feather champion Kays added: “It’s great to be back in the gym, though I’m just ticking over nicely for now. I’m quite open-minded about my boxing future at the moment.

“I’ve told my manager Steve Wood that I’m back in training and we’ll just see what’s going to be out there for me.

“Ideally another shot at the British super-featherweight title would suit me perfectly, but I’ve got to get back to that kind of level. If no suitable fights come up in the meantime then so be it.”