Billy Bird warmed up for his English title fight in Ipswich with a classy six-round win in Norwich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Billy Bird, right, in action against Jordan Grannum Picture: Mark HewlettBilly Bird, right, in action against Jordan Grannum Picture: Mark Hewlett (Image: © 2013 Mark Hewlett)

The Braintree fighter was a 60:54 winner over Jordan Grannum, putting in some groundwork for his super-welterweight clash against Adam Harper.

Bird has been leaving home at 5am to travel to Norwich and work with trainers Graham Everett and Jon Thaxton – hard work he believes is paying off.

“We have been working on a lot of things for the title fight – not that I was overlooking this fight, but we wanted to work on new things in the gym and bring them out in tonight’s performance and that is what we did. I boxed smart and clever, I didn’t rush, I took my time. I didn’t need to take risks – I could have taken him out, but I won every round comfortably and boxed to orders. It was probably the best performance as a pro, I felt sharp, got behind my jab, relaxed and enjoyed it.

“Fitness-wise, I am king of the gym – I am even beating Jon Thaxton – because it is what we need. Every fight from now on will get harder.”