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Category Archives: UK Boxing
Khan-Quaye Title Fight Support For Roy Jones Jr-Tony Moran September 12th in Liverpool
Khan-Quaye Title Fight Support For Roy Jones Jr-Tony Moran September 12th in Liverpool
Bradford’s Tasif Khan is just over a week away from the biggest fight of his career to date, when he faces two time Commonwealth title challenger, Ghana’s Isaac Quaye, for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Flyweight Championship, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted LEGEND event, at the Aintree Equestrian Centre on Saturday 12thSeptember, which is headlined by Roy Jones Jr’s first ever UK fight, against Tony Moran.
Khan, who only returned to the fray, following a twenty five month sabbatical from the sport, in January this year more than made up for his time out of the ring with three top class wins.
In the first of these bouts Khan disposed of Richard Voros in just over a minute of the first round, he then followed that with an almost identical time victory over Ladislav Miko in March, which lined him up for a shot at the International Masters title in May, against Mikheil Soloninkini, which Khan secured with an excellent unanimous points victory.
To describe Khan’s excitement about getting this opportunity to fight for the WBF title so soon after his return is an understatement, but when compared to his feelings about fighting for the title on the undercard of Roy Jones Jr versus Tony Moran made that pale in comparison, as he made clear when he spoke about the upcoming event.
“When I first got told I’ll be fighting on the Roy Jones bill, it was absolutely amazing, yeah amazing to fighting on the same show as Roy Jones.
I grew up watching him fight, in my eyes he’s one of the greatest fighters ever, not because of the accolade of titles that he’s won, the number of belts he’s won, from Middleweight upwards, but it’s unheard of to say to anyone these days that a middleweight is going to go all the way up to Heavyweight and win a World title and in those days the best fought the best, Roy Jones for me is one of the all time best fighters and to be on the same bill as him is all credit to the MBC (Malta Boxing Commission), Stephen Vaughan and Francis warren and I can’t thank them and everyone involved in this massive event enough and obviously for letting me fight on the event.”
Khan then went on talk about his opponent on September 12th – Isaac Quaye
“I’ve got full respect for Isaac Quaye, he’s got a good record, he’s been in with the best and he’s a tough Ghanaian as we know, so come September 12th we will be ready for him.
I can’t believe this, it’s been a short journey, but a sweet journey, the only difficult time I’ve had was the time away from the ring, I had a gap of about three years but obviously the MBC, all those involved with the MBC and the team around me have pulled together and gave me these opportunities.
My last fight gave me the opportunity to get my first belt (International Masters) of my career, so onwards and upwards.
I don’t look past any opponent and always train accordingly, we know Isaac Quaye is a tough opponent and in terms of World ranking he’s a lot higher than me, so it’s a win, win situation for me because I’ll prepare, like every fight, as if I’m the underdog, no doubt he’ll be coming in as the favourite and look to upset me and the crowd.
I have full respect for him outside the ring, but inside the ring I have no mercy for anyone, I want to go in their and cause damage as I want to win, so let’s get it on.”
Tickets, priced £40, £60, £100 and VIP Ringside £150 for the Stephen Vaughan Promoted Roy Jones Jr. versus Tony Moran MBC International Cruiserweight Championship headed LEGEND event at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool on Saturday September 12th 2015 are available now, buy on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com and www.vaughanboxing.tv or call 0333 200 0905.
Sanctioning for this event will be courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission – www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Let’s Hear It For The Girls – Marston, Smith & Ball Celebrate Historic Victories
On Saturday night, London promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott presented the first British event to feature three female professional boxing bouts, however to achieve this historic first for Women’s Boxing, the pioneering duo, whose event was sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission, had to overcame an unbelievable level of interference, from another boxing organization and their fellow EBU members.
Rather than dwell on the politics, everyone involved in the staging of this historic event should be congratulated, none more so than the female boxers that took part.
Former Team GB athlete (Shot Putt, Hammer Throw and Discus), Peckham’s Shaunagh Brown made her professional debut against fellow debutant Ireland’s Xena Ball.
Brown had a major disadvantage, she’s the sole Female boxer worldwide that competes in the Cruiserweight division, by having to fight in the Heavyweight division against an opponent some fifty pounds heavier than herself.
That aside the bout was a cracker, the plucky Londoner didn’t appear to be fazed at all about the weight discrepancy, in fact early on it was her taking the fight to Ireland’s Ball.
Ball, a classy young boxer with excellent ringcraft was as savvy as they come, content to let the Londoner come forward, before stepping forward with very, very quick double handed flurries to force Brown back towards the ropes throughout the bout.
Brown was struggling with the size difference between her and her opponent, unable to push Ball off relied on her excellent boxing skills to box her way out of danger.
After four rounds of virtual non-stop action, referee Lee Murtagh scored the bout in favour of Ireland’s Xena Ball 40-36, the correct verdict without doubt, but really doesn’t reflect the quality of Brown’s excellent against the odds performance.
Unbeaten Lightweight Sam Smith from Leeds, Yorkshire was next in action, who after no less than seven changes of opponents in the lead up to fight night, faced a debuting Alina Lisova from Riga in Latvia.
Smith, who in her previous bout beat championship experienced Zsofia Bedo to secure the International Masters Lightweight title, literally outclassed Lisova, tearing the debuting Latvian girl apart and stopping her in just one minute and ten seconds of the first round.
The final female bout of the night see Woolwich, London’s British #1 ranked (Both Super Bantamweight and Pound-For-Pound) and reigning MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion Marianne Marston, in a non-championship six rounder.
As with Sam Smith, Marianne had many changes of opponent, nine in her case pulled out, in the build up and eventually faced Riga, Latvia’s Jekaterina Lecko, who in June fought Germany’s Alice Melina Kummer for the German Lightweight title.
Lecko paraded down the catwalk like she was a model, whilst Marston, an actual former model, made her entrance very much in fight mode, smashing her gloves together as acknowledgment to the cheers of support from the huge female contingent in attendance.
The difference between the two was even more noticeable when Marianne removed her sponsor laden T-Shirt to show her seriously ripped physique.
Marston went straight on the offensive, forcing Lecko to rely on throwing out her jab in a vein effort to prevent the Londoner getting within range, Marston not only got in range but once there she began giving the Latvian a boxing lesson she’s unlikely to forget in a while.
Changing tactics Lecko resorted to running away as such, however Marston’s ringcraft is of such a level that she was able to close down and cut off any escape route, before backing the Latvian on to the ropes with a vicious double handed attack, the result was devastating for Lecko who was sent to the canvas with just five seconds remaining of the first round.
Marston started the second in similar vein to the first, taking the fight to Lecko, who now began throwing huge right hands in an attempt to keep Marston at bay.
With this tactic failing, due to Marston’s superior movement, Lecko reverted to going walk about, which suited the Londoner, who once again was able to cut off the ring and corral the Latvian against the ropes and begin another double handed assault, all Lecko could do was cover up and hope that Marston would punch herself out, she didn’t and after what seemed an age, it wasn’t but it seemed that way, referee Ken Curtis stepped in and waved off the bout to save Lecko from a guaranteed knockout, on the one minute and fifty second mark of the second round.
Following the event Promoter Mark Lyons spoke briefly about the three Women’s bouts.
“Firstly I would like to thank all the boxers that took part intonight’s show and I mean all of them, OK I accept that some of the opponents were not close to the level of our boxers, but that was not any of the fighters fault.
I can’t thank Xena, Jekaterina and Alina enough for saving the female bouts, these girls all stepped in at the last minute after a ridiculous number of pulls outs due to threats from another organisation.
That aside these girls came and saved the show and we did manage to make history, we are the first to have three female bouts on a UK pro boxing event.
Personally I think Shaunagh’s fight against Xena was the stand out bout, not just because it went the distance but because it was a fantastic fight, even though it had to be fought at Heavyweight as there are no other Cruiserweights in the world.
I felt sorry for Sam, Alina was way too inexperienced for someone of her skills, the same with Jekaterina, she just wasn’t close to the class of fighter Marianne should be fighting.
The real difference is our girls really are professionals in every way, they prepare for competition in exactly the same way as the male boxers.
Look at Marianne, I doubt there are many male boxers that have such a honed body, that girl has an eight pack, she trains every single day and spars some seriously talented male boxers to prepare and it shows.
I am proud to have these girls fight on our events and can’t wait for the next, their support was fantastic, never have I seen so many female spectators at a boxing match before.
Roll on October 23rd I promise there will be more female bouts on that show too.”
Young Prospects Sambou and Wood Battle For Supremacy This Saturday
On Saturday night, at York Hall in London, two young prospects, Matar Sambou and Chris Wood are set to go toe-to-toe against each other, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING II event.
How refreshing to see two young prospects willing to go toe-to-toe against each other so early in the careers, rather than the accepted normality of facing off against a journeyman for the first six or seven fights of their career.
Kent based Senegalese Sambou, who on his pro debut sensationally stopped Lithuanian hard-man Tadas Stulginskas in just one minute and forty seconds of the first round, had already built up quite a reputation, of being a one of the toughest, big punching youngsters around, during his extensive amateur career back home in Senegal, where he was spotted by no less than former Heavyweight World Champion David Haye, as well as on the unlicensed circuit here in the UK.
His opponent on Saturday, Middlesbrough’s Chris Wood, whose record stands at two wins and single split decision loss, also has built up quite a reputation as a tough young fighter that is willing to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, and his willingness to enter into the Lions den was well and truly proved, when he traveled to Scotland to box former unified World Kick Boxing Champion Sam Allan on his home show at Wishaw on just his second pro bout.
Promoter Mark Lyons spoke earlier about the prospect of such a mouthwatering match up taking place on his upcoming event.
“What can I say, this is likely to be a truly memorable fight, probably will be the fight of the night as these two boys are true warriors.
We know all about Matar, we know that he is as tough as they come and is one of the most avoided young boxers around, nobody wants to fight him, well usually nobody wants to.
We had heard so many good things about Chris, but when he was approached by Matar’s matchmaker Ben Frankham we still didn’t really expect him to take the fight, but he did.
What can I say, Chris is a real fighter, he’s not looking to artificially build his record, he wants to fight the best, he wants to beat the best and get himself to the top by fighting other prospects, not being mollycoddled for six or seven fights, you can’t help but respect the kid for that.
Have to say, we’re all really looking forward to watching these two warriors against each other, it will be an out and out war, that’s for sure.”
Matar Sambou versus Chris Wood features on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event that will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London this coming Saturday, the 29th August 2015.
This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.
ROCKIN’ ROBIN DEAKIN SEEKS HIS RENAISSANCE
By Jon Collins
In 1950 a fifty something year old salesman called Ray Kroc had the title of the worst milkshake vendor in Illinois.
Except that Kroc knew he was better than that. Several years later by 1954 he was a multi millionaire after founding McDonalds. “Persistence alone is omnipotent” wrote Kroc later.
There’s been better boxers than Robin Deakin. Titles of “the worst boxer in the UK” or “the human punchbag” levelled at him are way off the mark though.
Deakin CHOSE, at an early stage, to be a member of what I shall term British Boxing’s Fine Journeyman Club (FJC), sacrificing the glamour and allure of titles for regular paydays.
Hull’s Tony Booth, a fabled stylist and humorist in the ring, was a legendary member of the FJC, as was Brum’s Peter Buckley who retired with a pro record of 32-256-12. That’s 256 losses.
Warley’s Howard Clarke fought the legend Fernando Vargas for the IBF light middleweight world title at the Madison Square Garden in 1999, putting up stern resistance for 4 rounds. Clarke returned to the UK and lost his 68 of his next 70 bouts before retiring.
Booth, Buckley and Clarke were actually fine boxers, Deakin belongs to this club somewhere. A record of 1-51 doesn’t tell the story of hometown decisions, fights taken at short notice, weight given away to heavier opponents etc. Yet still Robin drove on and on, helping promoters up and down the UK, until terminating his license with the Board of Control.
Today Deakin seeks to alter matters. He wants out of the FJC and wants an Indian summer. Still only 29, he boxes under an MBC pro license.
An endearing personality, he’s the first total stranger ever to have been freely chatted to by my 6 year old daughter when I interviewed him.
On Saturday 29th August, at his old haunt in York Hall, he will strive to win a 2nd pro contest in a 4 x 3 bout v Latvia’s Deniss Kornilovs. Trained for this comeback by former champ Michael Jennings, Deakin is in the best condition of his life.
Ably assisted by his PR Lisa, celebs like Daniella Westbrook plus members of Big Brother and Towie will be in attendance ringside on the 29th. Even Barry Hearn, the great impresario himself, is meant to be coming.
A legion of Deakin fans from all over the gaffe will turn out to roar Robin to hopeful victory. Rockin’ Robin could become Renaissance Robin.
Deakin, no stranger to adversity, is a trier of historic proportions. He will get to the end of the journey in whatever path in life he chooses.
“Persistence alone is omnipotent” – the clarion call of winners – rings though the very psyche of a man whose failed 51 times in the ring so far, but is born to win!
The Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 29th August 2015.
This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.
Weaver Back In UK Action – Faces Skripkins At York Hall This Saturday.
Former Team GB star Iain ‘The Blessed One’ Weaver is set for his first UK bout, since returning from America, this coming Saturday at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, where he will face Latvian Dinars Skripkins.
Weaver, who last fought at York Hall back in October 2013, has been establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the ultra competitive Super Featherweight division internationally.
Since his last visit to the home of boxing in the Capital City, Weaver has secured two excellent first class stoppage wins over Spain based Moroccan Hassan Elyatouti and Brazilian Edilson Rio.
In his last bout, against Newark, New Jersey’s then unbeaten prospect Wanzell Ellison, Weaver was the victim of some good old fashioned home cooking of the scorecards, to blot his otherwise pristine record.
Now back on British soil once more Weaver, made it clear that he is determined to get a couple more good wins under his belt, before attempting to get a rematch against Ellison on neutral ground sometime next year.
“To say we were disappointed last time out is an understatement, I won that fight comfortably, yet only one judge scored it my way.
We’ll fight this Saturday and then have at least one more fight here, then we will be doing everything we can to secure a rematch, this time either here in the UK or maybe somewhere neutral like Germany.
Back to now though, I’m really looking forward to being back York Hall, I have such fond memories of fighting there.
There’s always a good atmosphere there, it really is a special place.
We don’t know too much about Dinars (Skripkins), but have heard he is a very tough kid.
Earlier this year he beat German prospect Tunahan Keser and from what we’ve heard that was a great fight and a fantastic performance by Dinars.
So we are not underestimating him one iota, but also know that he is beatable and that’s our plan, beat him and do it in style.”
Iain Weaver versus Dinars Skripkins features on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 29th August 2015.
This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from Iain on 07971 295869, from any of the boxers taking part, on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com andwww.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.
“MACHO MAN” CAMACHO SIGNS THREE YEAR DEAL WITH GOODWIN
Returns to the ring on “We never stop” show at York Hall October 17th
30 year old former Prizefighter Champion Wadi “Macho Man” Camacho has been the latest boxer to put the resurrection of his career and sign a three year contract with rising manager Steve Goodwin.
Cruiserweight Camacho hit the heights winning Prizefighter in 2013 but has failed to fully fulfil his potential since. Whilst Wadi has featured in thrilling fights and has had fans on the edge of their seats in televised fights he has suffered reversals to Stephen Simmons and Craig Kennedy in his most recent fights.
Wadi then set about finding a new promotional and managerial team “I believe that the Goodwin’s are the next best team in boxing behind Matchroom” said Wadi. I am so excited and buzzing again having Steve and his team behind me.”
Camacho is due back in the ring on October 17th on the undercard of Goodwin’s massive mega title bill “We never stop” at York Hall. “I want titles” said Camacho “After winning Prizefighter I should have gone through the title route of Southern area, English and British. This time with Steve this is the route I wish to go. We have a plan and after speaking to Steve and the team the buzz is really there.”
Goodwin was delighted with the new acquisition “I am delighted to be working with Wadi and I believe that we can get him back to where he belongs on main stream UK TV. We will do it at the right speed and I think in 12 months time Wadi will be back in the big time. It is going to be exciting working with Wadi. He is a really nice guy with a lovely family and it will give me great pleasure being a part of his success”
Let’s Hear It From The Girls – Marston, Smith & Brown Presser Quotes
There was more than a hint of glamour in attendance at the recent press conference, for the upcoming Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING II event, which took place at The Square Pie in Spitalfields Market, as all three female boxers that will be taking part were in attendance, along with other boxers that will be competing at this historic event.
LORDS OF THE RING II is secured it’s place in the history books of the sport as this will be the first professional boxing event, in the UK, to feature three female combatants.
The first to speak was Team GB athlete Shaunagh Brown, from Peckham, London, a successful athlete in three disciplines, Shot Putt, Hammer Throw and Discus, who makes her professional debut on August 29th.
“I’m excited to be making my pro debut next week, I can’t wait.
I’ve always worked hard to prepare for a competition, but the work you have to do as a boxer is another level altogether.
My coach Mark (former Commonwealth Champion Mark Reefer) has been brilliant, I’ve learned so much from him, he really has made this move from athletics to boxing much easier than it should have been.
I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring now and do just what Mark has taught me to do”
Next to speak was Leeds, Yorkshire’s Sam Smith, who recently beat Zsofia Bedo to secure the International Masters International title, on just her third professional bout.
“It’s been a long journey to get here today but it’s been worth it, it’s been my dream to fight at York Hall one day and now I am.
This has all happened so fast, I fought on August 2nd and was going to take a week off from training, but when Lee (former Irish Champion Lee Murtagh) said he could get me on the show that went straight out the door, I had to take it, so just took a couple of days off and then straight back in the gym to get ready.
I’m ready and raring to go, can’t wait.”
Finally British #1 and reigning MBC International Champion, Woolwich, London’s Marianne Marston took to the mike.
“I would not only like to thank Mark and Billy (promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott) for giving myself the opportunity to fight on their August 29th show, but also thank them for unwavering support of Women’s boxing.
It’s an honour to be involved in such an historic event, have to say though it’s been a rather long time coming.
Everyone expected that Women’s boxing would take off here, after the success of the sport at the London 2012 Olympics, but it’s only now that it is, although saying that I must stress that this is only possible because of the MBC (Malta Boxing Commission), as they are the only pro organization operating in the UK that actively encourage and support Women’s Professional Boxing.
Hopefully this is the start of big things for us, last year we had myself and Angel (McKenzie) fighting on the same show, now we have Sam, Shaunagh and myself all fighting on the same event, hopefully by this time next year we will create even more history with an all female event.
I can’t wait to get back in the ring, it’s been nearly ten months since I last fought, which is way too long.
I’m pleased to say that the injury that stopped me fighting earlier in the year is now healed, so I have been able to train fully for next Saturday’s fight.
We’re all hoping that there will be some good support from the fans, not only is it the new season opener and the first chance to catch some boxing action in the Capital after the summer break, but also it’s the first time ever that there are three Women’s boxing bouts on a pro show.
So get your tickets now, this is definitely a not to be missed show.”
The Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 29th August 2015.
This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.
Fight Report: Docherty Stops Kelly to Secure WBU Crown as McEwan, Allan and Robb take Victory Laurels
Report by Gianluca Di Caro
Photos courtesy of Armando Ferrari
Scottish Promoter Thomas Melville made his intentions clear for all to see with his debut event on Saturday night, even with seriously major dramas leading up to the event, including losing one of his big draws, former WBO Featherweight King Scott Harrison, from the card just a few weeks before, and two further match-ups dropping out in the days leading up to the show, yet the canny Scotsman still managed to produce an excellent, albeit it smaller, event.
Heading up the show was Glasgow’s former Commonwealth Champion Craig Docherty against Dundalk, Ireland’s Michael Kelly for the vacant World Boxing Union (WBU) World Super Welterweight title.
The atmosphere was electric as the two protagonists made their entrance into the arena, the Scottish fans sure do know how to make an occasion like this really special.
Right from the opening bell both boxers made their intention crystal clear and within seconds the toe to toe battle for centre ring began in earnest.
When I say toe to toe I mean toe to toe, whilst much of the action was at close quarters, at times they were that close to one another that you couldn’t have wedged a cigarette paper between them, so much so that referee Lee Murtagh had no option but to warn them about head clashes on numerous occasions.
Now even though they were that close neither man went defensive, both showcasing their exceptional tools of the trade to great effect, with slick hooks and upper cuts coming from all angles.
Docherty managed to just about secure the first couple of rounds, only just as they were so evenly matched, but in the third Kelly stepped it up, making himself a little space he really got into a flow and was letting rip with scintillating shots from every single conceivable angle.
Docherty responded in similar vein, however the slickness of Kelly’s work made it an upward battle for the Glaswegian.
Round four see Docherty change tactics, using his jab to great effect to set up the openings in order to let rip with some vicious body shots, however the Irishman seemed quite happy to soak these up before countering with powerful rights and the occasional double handed flurry.
Round five was a spectacular round, both protagonists raised the pace even further, which ultimately led to some fearsome exchanges. It was really hard to decide who fared the best or if either outfought or outworked the other, yes it was that close.
More of the same in the sixth, boy oh boy did they go at it hammer and tongs for the first couple of minutes or so of the round.
As the clock moved into the final minute of the round Docherty began to back Kelly up, before letting rip with a lightning quick right that dropped Kelly like a sack of potatoes.
In an instant Referee Lee Murtagh went to the Irishman’s assistance and waved the fight off, which sent Docherty, his team and fans into a joyous frenzy.
Have to say what an appreciative crowd in attendance, as the cheers of joy for Docherty were outweighed by the magnificent reception they gave Michael Kelly as he rose to his feet, these were genuine fans, their man won but they were equally appreciative of the magnificent performance of the Irishman.
Just before Docherty was crowned the new WBU Super Welterweight Champion the official time of the stoppage was announced, as two minutes and nine seconds of the sixth.
Main support for the Docherty-Kelly title fight was set to be Edinburgh’s Craig McEwan against Newport’s Lee Churcher, however this was not to be due to a weight discrepancy that was unable to be resolved in time, so some quick negotiations led to Nottingham based Czech fighter Vaclav Skromach being drafted in as a very late replacement.
McEwan started strong, taking the fight to the Czech lad, Skromach though is no mug and a nice tidy fighter himself and soon started letting rip with shots of his own.
McEwan started to target the body, coming in from some unbelievable angles to land some fearsome exocets, Skromach adjusted his defenses but clearly some were having the desired effect.
Skromach held his own well for the first couple of minutes but as the round entered into the final minute McEwan stepped up the punishment to the body, culminating with an awesome hook that landed right on the button to send Skromach to take to one knee.
It was a seriously vicious shot, so nobody was surprised that Skromach was unable to continue, again as with the main event the Scottish fans celebrated their man’s victory as well as applauded Skromach as he rose to his feet.
The official time of the stoppage was announced as two minutes and twenty nine seconds of the first round.
Prior to McEwan-Skromach was another six rounder, between Nairn’s Sandy Robb and Scunthorpe’s Jody Meikle.
Robb started fast, utilizing a good stiff jab and big rights that kept the highly entertaining Meikle in check and on the back foot for the first minute or so, but then the Scunthorpe lad began coming forward more, picking off Robb with some cracking right hands.
As the round went on Robb started to become even more forceful, leaving Meikle no option but to utilize hit and move tactics, most of the time he got these spot on but occasionally the Scotsman preempted these and was able to land a big right as Meikle attempted to slip out of range.
More of the same in the second, but in the third Meikle began to play to the crowd, especially when backed on to the ropes, cheekily winking at the ring card girls whilst avoiding shots.
Normal service resumed in the fourth, Robb began cutting off the ring to prevent Meikle utilizing his hit and run tactics, this was highly effective for the Scotsman as with nowhere to move to the Englishman had no option but to box his way out from the ropes, which he did in style.
As the fight settled into the final third, Meikle again began to play to the crowd, but in dong so ensured that this time he had judged the distance adequately to prevent the big looping rights from the Scotsman landing.
The final round was a cracker, whilst still in a similar vein as the previous round, with Robb backing the Englishman onto the ropes as Meikle played to the crowd, there was some excellent and highly entertaining boxing from both parties.
After six interesting, entertaining rounds Referee Lee Murtagh scored the bout 60-54 in favour of Robb.
The opening bout of the night see Rivals Gym’s former unified World Kickboxing Champion Sam Allan in action against Downpatrick, Ireland’s returning Marty Kayes.
Have to say this really was a cracking fight, both protagonists giving their all for every single second of every round, it was a true non-stop battle royale.
After four excellent rounds of boxing Referee Lee Murtagh scored the bout 40-37 in favour of Allan, much to the local fans delight.
Congratulations to Thomas Melville and his team, not only did they overcome the adversity of losing their co-headline bout as well as a few of the scheduled bouts, but still managed to put on an excellent event.
Congratulations are in order for Craig Docherty, who joins the likes of Ricky Hatton, Graham Earl, Kevin Lear, Shea Neary, Tony Oakey, Wayne Elcock, Wayne Alexander and other British legends of the past in becoming crowned the WBU World Champion.
Female Boxing: Marston, Smith and Brown In Action In London, Aug 29th
Promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott today announced that they have added two further Female professional bouts, in addition to the one already on the card, to their upcoming LORDS OF THE RING II event, which takes place at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday August 29th.
Heading up the female contingent on the Capital City’s new season opener, is British #1 ranked (Super Bantamweight & Pound For Pound) and reigning MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion Marianne Marston.
This will be the first chance for Marston’s fans to see her in action this year, as she suffered a relapse to the severely damaged piriformis muscle she tore during the buildup to the WBU European title challenge against Hana Horakova in March last year.
Marston will be looking to be on her best form, now the injury is completely healed, as the Londoner has been lined up to challenge for a World title later this year.
Joining Marston on the LORDS OF THE RING II event will be unbeaten Lightweight Sam Smith from Leeds and a fellow Londoner Shaunagh Brown, who will be making her professional debut.
Smith, who fights out of the Bethlehem Gym in Leeds, has made quite a statement, since turning pro in March this year, scoring three stoppage wins as well as already securing her first Championship accolade, when she beat Zsofia Bedo by third round stoppage to secure the International Masters Bronze Lightweight title.
Making her professional debut on the event is Team GB Athlete Shaunagh ‘The Hammer’ Brown from Peckham, South London.
Brown, who is coached by former Commonwealth Champion Mark Reefer at the Champions TKO gym in Hackney, has enjoyed enviable success throughout her athletics career, including winning the Gold medal (Discus) at the ESAA Championships in both 2005 and 2006, Silver at the AAA U20 Championships also in 2006.
At the England Athletics U20 Championships in 2008, Brown secured not one but two medals in different disciplines, Gold for the Discus and Silver for the Shot Put. In 2009, at the Aviva England Athletics U20 Championships, Brown then added the Gold Medal for Shot Put to her collection.
Speaking earlier promoter Mark Lyons made it clear he and his business partner Billy James-Elliott are elated to be at the forefront of Women’s boxing in the UK,
“This is the new season opener for boxing in London and we decided that new season, new start so what better than to bring to the fore some of the magnificent female fighters we have in this country.
Without doubt it’s about time there were more female fights in the pro ranks, over the past few years about the only British female fighters that have seen regular action are Marianne (Marston) and Angel McKenzie, but now with Sam (Smith), Shaunagh (Brown) and others such as Juliette Winter coming on board, Women’s boxing can really start to gain some momentum.
It’s unheard of to have three female bouts on a pro event in the UK, after the 29th August hopefully this will no longer be the case and we get to see these young women in action, as well as getting the media coverage they deserve.
Marianne has more than proved she is Championship level and rightly has earned a shot at the World title later this year and I don’t doubt for one minute that Sam will also be challenging for major titles in the near future too, as will Shaunagh.
Shaunagh has enjoyed success in the sporting arena previously, Discus, Shot Put and Hammer Throwing, both Nationally and Internationally, the girl’s a winner and am sure she will be just as successful as a boxer as she was is in her other chosen sports.
It’s going to be a great event, besides the three female bouts, there’s a lot of great fights lined up that feature some top fighters, such as WBF World Champion Chris Goodwin, former Team GB star Iain Weaver and Jimmy Campbell, Jimmy has been in with the best of his division, such as World Champions Anthony Dirrell and Virgil Hill.
On top of that we have a card rammed with upcoming young talents, as well as some future stars making their pro debuts, so it definitely is an event that caters for all boxing fans, young, old, male or female there’s something for everyone.”
The Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 29th August 2015.
This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.