NEWPORT boxer Jerome Samuels is on the title path after recording his fourth straight victory on Saturday.

The 20-year-old welterweight beat Blackwood’s Dai Jones 58-57 on points at the Newport Centre and the Gwent pair are set to meet again for the Welsh light-middleweight title in the near future.

If he does claim the Welsh belt Samuels will be following in the footsteps of his father Paul who won the same belt back in 1998 before twice challenging for the IBO world title.

And it would represent a remarkable reversal of fortunes for the youngster after he lost his first five fights as a professional.

Saturday’s win over Jones was Samuels’ fourth in succession since he teamed up with new trainer Richie Garner, a solicitor and former kick-boxer.

“I think it was a little bit wider but it was a good fight and another good win,” said Samuels.

“He was warned a couple of times for using his head and I came close to stopping him more than once but I know a rematch is on the cards for the Welsh lightweight title and I will stop him next time.

“I wasn’t totally happy with my performance,” he added. “I was affected by a cold, which disrupted my training, but I’m happy we’re going to do it again for the title.”

Garner, who trains Samuels in Shaftesbury, praised Jones for staying on his feet in the face of his pupil’s power.

“Dai Jones is an exceptionally tough fighter,” he said. "Jerome can bang - if there's one thing that transferred genetically it was his dad’s power.

“When I met Jerome he said to me he was looking for another chance,” added Garner. “He’s changed his lifestyle and he’s turned it round.

"He’s shown hard work and dedication to win four in a row and there’s more to come.”