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British featherweight Ebonie Jones says she is “happy to be back” ahead of her first hometown fight as a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n The 25-year-old, who fought on the Claressa Shields v Savanah Marshall undercard at London’s O2 Arena last October, changed trainer in January and joined a new gym in Sheffield.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n “I moved up here to concentrate on my boxing,” she told BBC Radio Solent.<\/span><\/p>\n “I was on Team GB in Sheffield before so I know the area a bit, but I do miss my family back home and the beach.”<\/span><\/p>\n Jones, from Portsmouth, put together an impressive amateur record of 60 wins in 65 fights before turning professional.<\/span><\/p>\n She is now undefeated in four fights as a pro with three wins and a draw and she has already fought twice at Wembley Arena.<\/span><\/p>\n On Saturday she will take to the ring to face Nicaragua’s Wendellin Cruz at the Mountbatten Centre in her home city.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’ve had a good start to my career, a few setbacks, and I haven’t fought in a few months so it will be good to get the ball rolling again,” Jones said.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’m just happy to be starting out again even if it is on a smaller show. <\/span><\/p>\n “I have fought at Wembley but you can’t beat fighting in front of home fans in your home town.<\/span><\/p>\n “Most of the support I get is from Portsmouth so it is nice to be able to give back a little – I’m so happy to be fighting there.”<\/span><\/p>\n Cruz is an experienced fighter with 15 professional bouts under her belt but she has only won once in her last nine outings.<\/span><\/p>\n Jones says she is confident of winning but not complacent.<\/span><\/p>\n “I am looking forward to it,” she said.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’m confident I can get the win if I do everything that I’ve been doing in the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n “But obviously I don’t just want to win I want to put on a good performance and showcase everything I’ve been working on with my new trainer.”<\/span><\/p>\n Jones believes her move from the south coast to south Yorkshire has put her physically and mentally in the best shape to take her career to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n “My new gym, Steel City Boxing Club, has champions there and people to look up to and learn from,” she added.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s a nice atmosphere that feels like a family and it’s good to have good people around.<\/span><\/p>\n “Hopefully I will be fighting for a title by the end of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n