Pittsworth boxer eager to put home town on map with title win

Jackson ‘Stoneleigh’ Griffiths hails from a little known country Queensland town but the young star’s next fight will alter the world boxing landscape. Find out why his big match means so much here.

Anuson Thonglueang and Stoneleigh Jackson square off ahead of their WBC World Youth Welterweight title fight. Picture: Tanner Smith Videography

His opponent has the experience and the power to end his dreams in the blink of an eye, but Jackson ‘Stoneleigh’ Griffiths only has one thought on his mind.

The gritty young fighter wants to put Pittsworth on the map and the best way to do that is with a WBC World Youth Welterweight title win.

“It is definitely going to put the town on the map again,” Jackson said.

“I think Pittsworth needs something like this, an exciting fighter.

“I was born and bred there so to be able to come into Toowoomba and fight for the title and if I win it would mean a lot to me and the town.”

Jackson’s fight with Anuson Thonglueang headlines ‘The Big Fights 35’ card that includes John Maila and Joshua Johnston squaring off for the Queensland Heavyweight Title.

With 15 knockouts from 19 wins, Thonglueang presents a massive challenge for Griffiths.

“I have got to be cautious (of him) but my style, I have got a very exciting style and that is what you are going to see this Friday night,” Griffiths said.

“I have pictured it many times, but if I could pull this win off, it would mean a lot to me, my two trainers and Brendon (Smith) and my family.”

Anuson Thonglueang and Stoneleigh Jackson square off ahead of their WBC World Youth Welterweight title fight. Picture: Tanner Smith Videography

The Big Fights promoter Brendon Smith said Griffiths will need to be at the top of his game if he wants to win the prestigious title.

‘Controlling the front foot’ will also ultimately determine who wins the fight.

“I have no doubt these two men will meet in the middle and fight it out,” Smith said.

“They both like to be on the front foot and are heavy handed.

“Everything is on the line here. A lot of world boxing’s biggest names have used this title as a stepping stone to greatness.”

The fight will have extra meaning for Griffiths who wants to honour Braydon Smith.

Braydon, who is the son of Brendon Smith, died on March 16 (2015) two days after a boxing match in Toowoomba.

“They always bring a fight here (Toowoomba) once a year for Braydon so to be back here in Toowoomba, fighting for this title, it is a big fight,” Griffiths said.

“There is a fair bit on the line but I am going to try my best to go out there and win it.”

Toowoomba’s Rumours International will host The Big Fights 35 on Friday, March 15. Doors open at 6pm.