Jacob Wall tells judges to “take a lunch break” for his Golden Ticket Fight Promotions 22 clash with Will Branch.
GTFP 22 is set to unfold at the K.K Steelmilll in Wolverhampton on June 3rd. As always with the Wolverhampton-based promotion, those tuning in and attending can expect a night of fun-filled action.
Ahead of the fight, we managed to get a word with Jacob Wall, who was ready to make the walk. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Jacob Wall
Next Saturday, you have your third competitive matchup at GTFP 22. After a four-month break. How are you feeling physically and mentally while keeping active thus far in 2023?
I can’t wait for GTFP 22; physically and mentally, I’ve never felt so sharp, and I can’t wait to get in that cage and perform next week; I’m feeling great. This is the strongest and the fittest I’ve felt to date, and I’m eager to go to work.
Touching on the IMMAFs earlier in the year. It didn’t go your way, losing a split decision. What did you take away from the fight and experience as a whole?
The experience at the IMMAF world was insane. No regional show can really compare to being in that environment with the best amateurs from all over the world. I learnt a lot from that fight. Although it did not go my way, it was close back and forth, and I showed I belonged with the best amateur fighters in the world.
The last time you suffered a loss, you ended up going on a three-fight win streak. You followed that up in April with a first-round submission win. Can we anticipate another win streak unwinding?
I’m always looking to bounce back from losses quickly and with a statement win, and I definitely see another win streak coming together heading forward in 2023.
Jacob Wall Talks Mindset
You faced two last-minute opponent changes during your most recent fight in April. Although, at the time, that’s a stress and probably causes concern, do things like that build your own mental game?
100% I think it helps with my mental game. I had to move up a weight class after the first change and then accept another new opponent on the day of the fight. I feel like I took it in my stride, I trust my coaches, my training and my preparation, and I truly believe I can go out there and compete with anyone in the UK flyweight and even bantamweight scene.
You’ve often highlighted your partner post-fight. How much of an important role does she play in the lead-up to fights?
Emily, my girlfriend, plays a massive role in my fight preparation. She prepares most of my meals for me, helping me make weight as easily as possible. She motivates me to train and really helps me with my recovery, so she really does play a really important role in keeping me locked in on my goals.
You recently received your BJJ blue belt. What did achieving that milestone mean to you?
Achieving my blue belt was a massive accomplishment for me. I really set my mind to getting my blue belt, so when I was awarded with it, I was really honoured. I have great coaches and training partners that really help me elevate my grappling game.
Will Branch
Next Saturday, you meet Will Branch. What do you know about Will, and how do you feel you match up against one another?
I really like this matchup against Will Branch. Obviously, he comes from a great gym, one of the best in the UK that I have a lot of respect for, but on the night, that won’t matter, Will looks to have some solid and tricky jiu-jitsu and on-the-feet, he throws up a lot of snappy kicks, but me and my coaches have a great game plan to deal with him on the feet and on the ground. Will and I are both on the bigger side of the flyweight division, and I think that my experience will play a big factor in this fight. I’ve really put a lot of heart and effort into the preparations for this fight with Will.
Looking at your record, you have a killer instinct to find a finish, and Will is yet to go to the scorecards. Is it safe to say the judges can take the night off? Do you see them being needed?
The judges can take a lunch break for mine and Wills’s fights. They won’t be needed. I’m coming to Wolverhampton to get the finish, and I’m sure he is as well. I’m always heading into the cage for a finish.
You’ve kept active and show no intention of slowing down. A win in Wolverhampton puts you in a comfortable position. What does the rest of the year look like for you?
A win in Wolverhampton puts me in a great position, I think. I feel like it puts me in a position to challenge for titles in the near future. I’m definitely looking to keep active this year and have at least three more fights before the year is done.
Prediction
Fans love to get official predictions. So, can we ask for your prediction? How does Jacob Wall defeat Will Branch?
My prediction is that this fight will be fireworks. With all respect to Will, I can’t wait to face off and meet him in the cage, but it’s going to be a long night for him. I am coming to make a statement, and I truly believe I am going to knock him out in rounds 2 or 3. That’ll be how I get this fight done. Don’t miss it.
Featured image credits to Jacob Wall
