READING lightweight Thomas ‘The Tank’ Jarvis is under new management and looking to fight for titles in 2017.

Now promoted by Mickey Helliett, Jarvis returns to the ring this Saturday on the undercard of the Southern Area super-welterweight title fight between Tilehurst-based Asinia Byfield and Slough’s John Brennan.

The event takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green and 29-year-old Jarvis, from Cemetery Junction, said: “I’m mates with Asinia and he recommended Mickey to me.

“He says he will get me lots of fights and that’s what I want.

“I want to get my career moving this year and who knows, maybe even fight for a title.

“I just want to get on with it. I will fight whoever they put in front of me. I would be happy to have a couple more fights then go for the Southern Area title.

“I haven’t had that many fights, but I’m doing a lot of good rounds sparring with Asinia and the other lads in the area.

“There are a lot of good lads around my weight in Reading at the moment and we are all sparring each other and pushing each other on.”

Jarvis turned professional in 2013 after 32 bouts with Reading ABC and so far, he’s won seven of his eight fights.

He describes himself as a “boxer fighter” and added: “My coaches are always telling me to box, but I like getting stuck in and having a tear up.”

Jarvis admits he was a wayward youth, but said: “I’ve got two daughters and they are my inspiration. I want to do well for them.”

  • ALSO on the card is Reading featherweight Gelasius Taaru, who is back in the ring after an explosive start to his professional career.

Ringsiders described the 23 year old as “sensational” after he laid out Luke Fash in the first round on manager Mickey Helliet’s dinner show in Mayfair.

Fash had a rock-chinned reputation – he had never been stopped in 17 previous fights – but Taaru smashed him to the floor with a thunderous right hand and he stayed there for the full count.

Taaru (pictured) said: “I couldn’t have had a better debut and I want to go all the way.

“I’m fully focussed on boxing and I’m hoping all the hard work pays off.

“I want to provide for my family – and make my mother proud of me.”

Taaru – who lost only three of 33 amateur bouts – came to England from Namibia with his mother and four siblings when he was seven years old – and he says fighting is in his DNA.

“The word ‘Taaru’ means fighting in Namibia,” he said, “and I was forever fighting when I was a kid.

“I was always getting trouble – until I started boxing when I was 12 years old.

“I was playing football as well, but decided that boxing is what I do best and started taking it more seriously when I was 16.”

Taaru has been with trainer Sam Fleetwood from the start – and he’s joined him in the pros.

Taaru said: “I trust Sam. I know he wants what is best for me and he’s very passionate and knowledgeable about boxing.”

  • STABLEMATE Dan Neville is looking to make his mark in professional boxing after deciding to punch for pay.

He will also be in action at York Hall and said: “I always wanted to turn pro, my trainer mentioned it and I thought ‘It’s now or never.’ “I’m not the youngest, but I believe I have a few good years in me yet and I want to see how far I can go.

“I think I can do well.

“I’m sparring Gelasius (Taaru) who was a good amateur and that’s bringing me on.”

Neville had around 11 amateur bouts himself for Bulmershe ABC, winning five.

He admitted: “I was a bit lazy when I was an amateur.

“I was going out drinking too much when I was an amateur. I definitely could have trained harder.

“I really knuckled down when I started fighting in the Queensbury Boxing League.”

Neville won a British title in the competition.

The fight was screened on Eurosport and he said: “That was good preparation for the pros. There were no head guards and it toughens you up and gets you used to fighting in front of big crowds.

“It was a pretty awesome experience.”

Tickets for Saturday’s event are available from 07949 253100.