JAKE Jon Cleary stretched his unbeaten record which he now hopes to put to the test in August at Leeds Arena on Callum Simpson’s undercard.
The welterweight was given a 60-54 victory on points against Spanish-based Nicaraguan Josue Bendana at the Old Forge in Sheffield.
It was a seventh straight win from as many professional fights for the 28-year-old postal worker from Wombwell.
Cleary said “We had a couple of changes of opponent in the lead-up but we knew he would bring that classic Latino style.
“He wanted to spoil and be ragged.
“But overall we’re happy.
“We experimented a lot with what we’ve been working on in the gym.
“It’s the most I have shown the mix of orthodox and southpaw style.
“I did a lot of switch-hitting and work to the head and body.
“I controlled the pace on the front foot then, if he rushed at me, I made sure I still got shots off on the back foot.
“There are always things to work on. I am never fully happy with a performance but overall we’re happy.”
Cleary enjoyed the atmosphere at the Sheffield venue.
“It was a good night. It was the first time the promoter has put that show on and it was a nice venue. It was loud.
“It echoed a bit with the old style of building so it was louder than I expected when I came out.
“There were moments when I was catching him with shots and moments when it got scrappy which got the crowd engaged.
“It was a pleasure to be part of and I am always appreciative of my fans.”
Simpson is due to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles at Leeds Arena on August 8 with Troy Williamson who beat him in December.
Cleary was on the undercard that night, stunning home favourite Ellis Ward with an impressive win, and hopes to be back on the second bill.
“That’s the plan.
“We took it at quite short notice last time and it will be the same again.
“I will be back in the gym next week and ready if the call comes.
“It would be a pleasure to fight on it but we’ll take whatever comes.
“I am approaching the top 50 in the UK now so I am looking for good dust-ups.
“I proved last time in Leeds that, even if I am underdog, I can come out with the win.”
Meanwhile, Elliott Bridges drew on his professional debut.
The Bolton upon Dearne man was fighting journeyman Josh Cook – who had lost his last 33 bouts – at Batley Bulldogs’ stadium.
The four-round middleweight contest was scored 38-38.
