Jim Wallhead Ready for the Next Step

Jim Wallhead could be the next British fighter to hit the big time. After a series of outstanding performances, rumours abound that “Judo” Jim will be signing a contract with a major organization.

Wallhead told loughboroughecho.net:

“I just can’t say anything at the minute. Something very big may be about to happen."

“I’m hoping to fight again in September time to keep me fresh as, if these big contracts come off, it might be another five or six months before I fight again otherwise."

“It is a very busy time at the minute.”

If the call comes, Wallhead will not have to look far for advice. Fellow Rough House Welterweights Paul Daley and Dan Hardy are contracted to EliteXC and the Ultimate Fighting Championship respectively.

Daley has a growing reputation in the United States after impressive victories over Duane "Bang" Ludwig and Sammy Morgan. After a brief retirement, Daley returned to action in Nottingham recently. He KOd the highly touted Slovenian Bojan Kosednar at Cage Warriors: Enter The Rough House 7, in front of his home fans at the Harvey Hadden Centre in Nottingham.

Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy will make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut at UFC 89: Bisping vs Leben at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on 18th October. Hardy has built his reputation in the United Kingdom by fighting quality foreign imports on Cage Warriors’ shows. Last year, he impressed Japanese fans in the Cage Force tournament. Hardy has spent a lot of time training in the United States and many feel he has the strongest all round game of any British fighter.

Jim Wallhead has also made his name with Cage Warriors. With his strong Judo background, Wallhead has always been adept at controlling opponents on the ground. Over recent contests, his boxing skills have improved noticeably. A controlled stand up display in his most recent fight impressed everyone. Wallhead was matched against the experienced Italian based Brazilian Fabricio Nascimento. The unconventional Nascimento has been ranked as high as number four in Europe, but Wallhead dictated the terms of the fight to earn a unanimous points decision.

Wallhead informed The Loughborough Echo:

“It was a real step step up in class and it turned into my biggest win so far. I controlled every round although he did have his moments but I’m surprised he did not go down.

“I got an absolutely awesome reception from the crowd and many people said I was the star of the night."

“WBO cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson was so impressed he has asked me to go and train with him."

“It was a fantastic night.”

As well as boosting his reputation, Jim Wallhead got a taste of what may be in store for him when he takes the step up to the next level. He and his girlfriend Jo were shadowed by a film crew in the build up to the fight at the Harvey Hadden. The couple are to star in a documentary on the UK network Channel Five.