Luton boxer Ilyas felt he came through second pro fight with 'flying colours'

Luton fighter Jawad Ilyas felt like he came through his latest test with ‘flying colours’ as he moved up to two wins from two in his pro career when beating Jose Exequiel Sanchez on points at York Hall last month.

The 23-year-old had his arm raised after four rounds to be crowned as the winner against a stern opponent from Argentina, who is 10 years his senior, and had won three and lost 25 of his 29 previous bouts, with one draw. Speaking after the contest, Ilyas said: “It was good. He was having a go, that was exactly what I needed, especially this early in my career. I thought I passed it with flying colours, so I was happy with myself.

"I think I hurt him a few times as well, but it was a really good experience. From my first bout I learned not to rush, so I’m definitely improving. The pro debut one was more nerve-wracking, but this was another day in the office in my opinion. It (support from Luton) really spurs me on. Having fans like that, they travel anywhere to watch me and I’m very, very thankful for their support.”

Having beaten Eliecer Quezada on his debut in February, then on what he took from that bout going into his second visit to the ring, Ilyas continued: “It was a great experience. It was a long time coming and I really enjoyed it, as that feeling will never be replicated again. I like that pressure on me as I feel as if it makes me perform well.

"I felt as if I went there and showed what my style is going to look like. Obviously going forward, I have picked up stuff I need to work on and wanted to show the improvements that I made. There have been a few changes, mainly just slowing it down, working on little bits and pieces. It’s keeping my shots longer, not rushing myself, working on my good attributes, building on them, making them stronger and also working on my weaknesses.”

With Ilyas now due to be back in action against next month, taking on Spaniard Efren Besalduch at the Brentwood Centre, on how he is taking to life in the paid ranks, Ilyas added: “I’m enjoying it, I’m taking to it well. In the amateurs we just rolled up and fight, but these (media days) are good, as fighters like myself get a chance to speak and just get used to it in time for the bigger leagues when they come.”