Lutonian Ilyas wins the first title of his boxing career

​Luton boxer Jawad Ilyas won the first title of his brief career when beating Jake Morgan on points to claim the Commonwealth international belt at the Harrow Leisure Centre recently.

The 24-year-old, who had an unblemished record of three straight wins after turning pro earlier this year, made that four victories by defeating Morgan to leave the ring as a champion. His opponent, 29, from Derby, went into the bout with more experience than Memood with seven wins from his previous 10 encounters, but it was Ilyas who took the decision from referee Amy Pu, who scored it 78-74 to the Lutonian.

Speaking to Misty Vision Boxing about how it felt to have his arm raised and record his first piece of silverware, Ilyas said: “I'm feeling good, I’m feeling proud. I won the belt, four fights in, I’m happy with myself and now I’ve got it, I just want more belts. The key to victory was just like every fight, I used my jab. I’ve got a very good jab. Myself, I downplay it, but when I watch it back, I see how good my jab is and I need to use it more.”

Although Ilyas now expects to spend a short period of time out of the ring, he intends to get back to it in the not too distant future, as on his plans, he added: “Whatever my team says. I’ll have a bit of a rest, but I’m game, I’ll fight anyone. I don't shy away from any sort of challenge. I’m four fights in, an eight-rounder, I don't turn down any fights.”