SWINDON’S Commonwealth gold medal winning boxer Jamie Cox says his career could be in ‘tatters’ after being found guilty of assault.

Cox attacked ex-girlfriend Viktoria Gribovskaja at her home in Lambeth, south London on July 16 last year after their relationship broke down and he attempted to collect his belongings.

The boxer, who appeared in court under his real name Jamie Russan, was convicted at Croydon Magistrates' Court of assault by beating, violence to secure entry, harassment and criminal damage.

Cox was being lined up for a title shot by promoter Frank Warren and the consequences of assaulting someone is likely to result in a suspension of his license.

 

Cox, who claimed the WBO European super-middleweight title last year, said he had "barged" through her front and bedroom doors on the night in question because he feared she "could kill herself", which he said she had previously threatened to do.

The 29-year-old also denied harassing her in the days before the attack by sending abusive text messages and assaulting her by placing his hands around her neck, leaving her with "redness".

He was heard in a recording of a 999 call, made by Ms Gribovskaja before he arrived, to say: "I will knock you spark out."

Magistrates said they found the victim's account of the confrontation "credible and convincing" and Cox's evidence "not credible".

The court heard the relationship, which had lasted for between nine to 12 months, was "coming to a head" one week before Cox was due to fight for the European title.

The pair began dating in 2014 after the boxer met Ms Gribovskaja when she was working as an exotic dancer in a gentleman's club in London.

He had visited her family in Estonia before the incident, Cox said, adding: "I wanted to give her a better life - I loved the girl and wanted her to move to Swindon."

But they had had "ups and downs" and in the lead up to the attack, Cox admitted sending his victim "vulgar language" in text messages as he told her he would visit her flat to pick up some jewellery and other items he had left there.

In one message, he said: "F*** you, I'm coming to London, you slut."

Chair of the bench Mary Marshall said Cox had intended his text messages to Ms Gribovskaja to be "abusive and hurtful".

And she added his claim that he feared she might hurt herself was "inconsistent" with the messages he had sent her.

During his evidence, Cox said, if found guilty, his career "would be very much in tatters if not over".

Nathaniel Ikeazor, defending, said: "Everything he is going to be - a champion of the world, making his country proud - rests on your decision today."

Speaking outside court, Mr Ikeazor said: "My client intends to appeal this at the first available opportunity.

"I am personally shocked and appalled by the court's decision."

Cox was release on conditional bail to return for sentencing at the same court on April 11.