Joel Kodua is eager to mop up at British title level, using his domestic success to launch an eventual assault on the world scene.
While making a first defence of his English title this Saturday, it is only natural that ‘JFK’ hopes to one day challenge for the highest honours of his sport.
Before that, though, he must face Central Area champion Will Harrison, featuring on the undercard of Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett at London’s Wembley Arena.
With Harrison having previously boxed to two draws against Joe Garside, who Kodua stopped in round seven earlier this year, it would be easy for the 29-year-old to overlook his next opponent.
While speaking with Boxing News, though, Kodua makes it clear that there is no danger of taking his eye off the ball.
“[Harrison is] still undefeated and he’s still a champion, so I’ve got to give him that respect. In that sense, I am training my ass off.
“Depending on the opponent, it’s always a different type of style that I bring to the table.
“With Darren Francis, I was walking him down, catching shots and firing back. With Bobby Dalton, I was more so countering off the ropes – boom, boom, boom – and, when I needed to step on the gas, I stepped on the gas.
“But with Joe Garside, it was just constant pressure throughout the whole fight. You’ve got to have a plan from A-Z.”
Against Harrison, Kodua will enter his third Boxxer outing on the BBC, where viewers have been fortunate enough to witness his versatility in the ring.
Outside the ring, meanwhile, the English champ recently returned to his old stomping ground, Kingsford Community School, in an effort to inspire the younger generation.
“It was like taking a walk down memory lane. All the teachers are my age now, which is mad because, growing up, I remember all the teachers seeming a lot older [than 29].
“But it was good seeing the youth and giving a motivational talk, showing them that it’s possible to do anything that you want to do.”
During his speech, Kodua emphasised the importance of finding your passion and, in turn, discovering your flow state, which he compares to feeling like ‘Neo’ from The Matrix.
“I think [I experienced it for the first time] in one of my amateur fights. I was just literally flowing and letting my hands go, like I was in The Matrix.”
If he emerges victorious against Harrison then Kodua should be in the conversation for a shot at Constantin Ursu, who claimed his British title with a convincing points win over Owen Cooper in February.
Whatever comes next, though, the unbeaten welterweight expects to be in a far stronger position by the end of 2026.
“By the end of the year, I want to have established myself a lot more in boxing. First, I want to dominate the British [scene], then go European and then [land on] the world scene.”
While admitting it would be a “cracking fight” between him and Ursu, Kodua is open to facing any opponent that can accelerate his charge towards the Promised Land.
