Ballingall: Respect to Ross after Benn battle

That’s the view of Jameson’s trainer, Michael Ballingall, as he took the much-hyped Benn to a points decision in Manchester on Saturday.

Jameson dropped a 60-55 verdict to the son of British legend Nigel Benn over six rounds.

But that didn’t tell the story of Jameson’s performance in a fight taken at seven days’ notice.

The Portsmouth-based talent gave away 6lb in weight as he stepped up to the welterweight division for the contest.

The 27-year-old showed resolve to go the distance and present Benn with a number of problems, which earned him plaudits.

Ballingall said: ‘Rosco took the fight at seven days’ notice.

‘With a proper training camp he could have caused a big upset.

‘There were a lot of things which went against us.

‘I thought the scoring was closer than what they gave it.

‘You expect that when you are in our position and you are up against it.

‘But Rosco showed what a good boxer he is and his performance won him a lot of respect.

‘A real man is willing to take that fight, guaranteed TV and chance to get recognition.

‘Ross is capable of showing what he can do on that stage. Now so many people know about him. He lost a fight but gained a lot of friends.

‘Eddie Hearn said Conor had been humbled.

‘Fair play to Ross, he’s got his name out there.

‘He’s a throwback fighter willing to take an opportunity.’

There’s a lot of talk surrounding Benn and how far he can go in the professional game.

But Jameson raised plenty of questions over his potential, although Ballingall remained impressed.

Ballingall feels Jameson, who is also trained by James Birchall, is a credit to the sport.

He said: ‘Benn has a lot of hype around him and he is more talented than I thought.

‘They will have to bring him along carefully but when you are in the gym he is, with the boxers he is, you can’t help but improve.

‘But it’s not just the top fighters. There’s a lot of talent out there, they just don’t get the backing. Rosco showed that. He did himself proud with the performance. He went out there and produced.

‘I have a lot of respect and admiration for lads who are willing to be real.

‘Sometimes fighters kid about until they get a real fight and then they don’t want to know.

‘When it’s time to fight for something they pull away. It’s months and years wasted.

‘Ross is a hard northern man. He gets a chance and he takes it.’