Boxer gears up for Battle of the Badges

Last year, J.J. Jones went to the Battle of the Badges in Burlington to watch four of her co-workers from the Niagara Detention Centre box in the charity event.

The 43-year-old St. Catharines resident was blown away by the spectacle, which involves police officers, firefighters, EMS workers and corrections officers.

“It was such a great atmosphere and such a huge party and there were people everywhere,” the detention guard said. “I thought maybe next year. We will see what happens.”

That initial thought turned into a commitment and Jones began training four months ago at the St. Catharines Amateur Boxing Club. There were a few early moments when she questioned why she was returning to a sport she took up as a 17-year-old at Napper’s Boxing Club, but those doubts didn’t last long.

“It is such a good atmosphere here and the guys are great,” said the graduate of Welland Centennial and Niagara College. “I have sparred with a couple of guys and girls and it’s such a healthy environment for people to be in.

“Yes you are getting punched in the face, but it’s teaching you what you need to know.”

Her favourite part of the training is the club’s environment.

“Everyone is so supportive and helpful and they are all good people.”

The downside of the training is making it fit around her work schedule.

“It is always a problem,” she said. “There are few weeks when I can’t even make it here because I am working.”

The Battle of the Badges is scheduled for April 26 at the Burlington Convention Centre and Jones, a long-time karate enthusiast, is looking forward to one particular part of the evening.

“I can’t wait to have a beer afterwards,” she said, with a laugh. “I stopped drinking, I gave up candy, I gave up sweets and I gave up flour.

“It is a whole lifestyle change and you can’t even sugar coat it. It just sucks!”

She is nervous, excited and apprehensive about her fight.

“I think it is a little bit of everything,” she said. “I want to get it over with.”

Jones isn’t sure what her future is in boxing after Battle of the Badges, but her 16-year-old daughter is interested in the sport and it may become something mother and daughter can do together.

She encourages other women to train at the St. Catharines club.

“It is like a family,” she said. “If you are having a hard time at home or with other stuff, you can come here and get away from it and everyone welcomes you with open arms.”