Jimmy Joe Flint ‘can be Doncaster’s next big fight star’

The Doncaster fighter was taken to a surprise draw against Lee Connelly in his last fight in July, ending the perfect start to his career in his seventh fight.

But promoter Stefy Bull believes that result could easily be the making of the 22-year-old, who returns to the ring on Saturday night at Barnsley Metrodome.

“It was a bit of a blow for Jimmy but it could be a big moment in his career,” Bull told the Free Press.

“You look at both McDonnell brothers – they both had draws early in their careers and they responded to them really well.

“It’s not as devastating as a defeat but it can help you take a look at what you’re doing and really see where the improvement needs to come.

“That draw can do that for Jimmy and I’m expecting a really good performance from him at the weekend.”

Flint is scheduled to face Kris Pilkington on his first outing over six rounds.

Bull said: “It’s a step up for Jimmy over that distance but he's ready for it.

“He’s been sparring with [former English lightweight champion] Lee Appleyard and doing eight or ten rounds with him twice a week so he’s going to be more than comfortable over the distance.

“Jimmy's an exciting young fighter with plenty of potential and I really see him being a big attraction at The Dome in the next 12 to 18 months.

“He's got a big fanbase already and he’s taking more than 200 with him to Barnsley on Saturday night which is brilliant.

“And he can grow that fanbase in his home town. He’s a likeable kid with a lot of potential so he could really be the next big start built in Doncaster.”