BLAENAVON super-welterweight Mason Jones made an impressive start to his professional boxing career with a conclusive points victory at Ashton Gate in Bristol.

The 21-year-old, who is coached by Lyndon James at Pontypool ABC, won all four rounds against Poland’s Marcin Cybulski in a dominant performance.

Jones’s fans were so proud of their fighter’s display on the undercard of Sanigar Events’ Bristol Blitz show that they carried him from the ring following his 40-36 triumph.

The Welshman only took up boxing 18 months ago but he is certainly no stranger to combat sports – Jones is a former judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.

His transition from martial artist to pro boxer has been carefully managed by London-based Mickey Helliet and supported thanks to some kind sponsors.

“Luckily, through my Brazilian jiu-jitsu contacts I was known by a specialist combat clothing company called Tatami Sportswear and Blaenavon is such a close-knit community that a couple of local companies have also been very generous and helped me out,” said Jones.

“With the assistance of the Lion Hotel and P and P Construction I’ve been able to focus on my training and really dedicate myself to boxing.

“I’ve been able to travel to London and get some quality sparring in the Limehouse Marina Gym and have been able to make the time to spar with some of the pros at St Joseph’s in Newport.”

Jones was originally due to make his debut in the paid ranks at Frank Warren’s show in Cardiff this Saturday.

But after managing to sell a number of tickets for the Ice Arena Wales event, Jones received the heart-breaking news that an extra championship contest meant there would not be room for his fight.

However, Helliet got his charge onto the Bristol line-up, though Cybulski, with eight wins from 17 outings going into the showdown, was expected to give Jones a tough test on the night.

The Pole, who had previously boxed in Canada, Finland, Ireland and Germany, was not the usual type of opponent for a novice pro to take on in their debut bout.

But from the first bell it appeared as though it was Jones who was the more experienced boxer, showcasing an array of punches, good defensive skills and plenty of stamina.

Jones was pleased with his victory but disappointed he was unable to force the stoppage and annoyed that he had made a few mistakes.

Helliet was impressed enough to invite Jones to Las Vegas next month, where some of the former’s stable are going to spar in the tough and gritty boxing gyms of the undisputed fight capital of the world.