As his school work progressed so did his kickboxing. In July last year he beat Orewa's Ethan Moverley on points in the battle for the North Island title. In March Jones beat another promising Hawke's Bay fighter, Izzy Standish of the Jackals club, on points at a Fight Night in Gisborne.
While there was plenty of elation in Jones' Hastings home yesterday it was diluted as he read the fundraising requirements for the trip. Jones needs a $1000 deposit before the end of next month for the trip which will cost $6000.
A part-time barman, Jones, is from a single parent family. His mother Raegan Gardner can only work part-time because Jones' older brother has an undiagnosed neurological condition similar to cerebral palsy, and restricted eyesight.
He also has a four-year-old brother who he helps his mother with at home. Originally Jones was eyeing a career in the police force but he has opted to stay in the entertainment industry so he can continue to kickbox at the same time.
"Hopefully we can obtain sponsorship and or goods and services we can use to fundraise towards Kelvyn's expenses. We have various ideas and would appreciate any help," Gardner said.
The Dan Penn-trained Jones has yet to hear when his next fight will be but he knows he will be training hard for two hours each day, five days a week between now and November as he prepares for his first taste of international competition. He will attend a training camp in Auckland in June where he will find out what division he will be fighting in in Spain and information on his opponents.
"Whenever I train or fight I think of the sacrifices mum makes for me and my brothers. It makes me go hard out," Jones said.
In addition to kickboxing Jones is also handy at kyokushin karate.
- Anyone able to assist Jones with his fundraising can email his mother at raine32@windowslive.com
