WEST Yorkshire boxer Fes Batista will be trained and managed by ring legend Roy Jones Junior.

The former four-weight world champion is stepping up his role with the American-based Batista, who signed a minimum three-year contract with him in 2014.

Welterweight Batista, 25, will now be trained by Jones as well – and believes that will be a huge boost to his career chances.

Batista said: “Roy and I are very close and have a wonderful bond. He is the greatest boxer of all time and I know I can learn a huge amount from him.

“Roy has helped me so much already and I am very grateful for this. He has helped focus my mind on what is important in life.”

Batista made his pro debut a year ago on a Jones undercard in Florida, beating American Lawrence Purifoy over four rounds. He is currently back in West Yorkshire after recovering from an injury.

Batista added: “My left hook sent a strong and in-shape fighter flying 20 feet across the ring. That is world class punching power and Roy Jones Jr has the best left hook in boxing history!

“If I can learn even ten per cent of what he knows then I know I can be very dangerous.

“We have big dreams and with Roy in my corner the sky is the limit. It is wonderful that a boy from a small town in Yorkshire is being guided by a superstar like Roy Jones Jr.”