Category Archives: UK Boxing

Can Saunders Secure His Most Impressive Win to Date Over Lemieux?

Billy Joe Saunders will take to the ring on December 16 in Canada as the reigning and defending WBO middleweight champion, being the proud owner of a belt which he won way back in December 2015 when defeating fellow traveller Andy Lee. 

 

But since outpointing Irishman Lee with a majority decision success to become world champion at the Manchester Arena, Saunders has only defended it on two occasions, with unanimous decision triumphs over Artur Akavov and Willie Monroe Jr., more recently. 

 

Against game Russian Akavov, the undefeated world title holder was far from impressive and perhaps even lucky to get such a comfortable decision in the end at the Lagoon Leisure Centre on Scottish soil. The win over American challenger Monroe Jr was a lot better, having then undertaken Dominic Ingle as his newest coach. 

 

But the latter bout was still a drab affair and did nothing to further or boost Saunders’ appeal to a broader audience, as he outworked the New York-born southpaw quite comfortably. For most of the title defence, he was barely made to work at all, with Monroe having come in with a bizarrely inefficient gameplan. 

 

However, the 28-year-old will next face undoubtedly his toughest career test to date against former 160lbs champion David Lemieux, a far more serious challenge than an inexperienced and youthful Chris Eubank Jr, an indifferent Andy Lee and the far from threatening Willy Monroe Junior.

 

Hard-hitting Canadian Lemieux will enter the ring ropes as the evens outsider in the latest boxing odds to prevail on home territory, a promising price for a fighter on a strong surge of victories of late. Since being viciously stopped in a gallant showing against the division kingpin Gennady Golovkin in October 2015, the 28-year-old has earned four consecutive wins, including two big knockouts of Glen Tapia and Curtis Stevens. 


Of all the opponents Saunders has gone toe to toe with to date, none have possessed the punching power of Lemieux, and that could be a decisive factor come fight night. The latter home hope is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy, who are seemingly keen to match the Canadian up with main cash cow Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez next year, rather than throw him in with ‘GGG’ once again in a highly awaited rematch. 

 

Despite being the favourite to prevail and maintain his unbeaten record on what will be his maiden venture outside of the UK in his professional career, it seems the odds are actually stacked against Saunders for this latest encounter.

 

It has been evident, too, that Saunders doesn’t boast the massive power capable of keeping a fleet-footed Lemieux away from the danger areas throughout their match-up. Knockout artist Lemieux produced what could eventually be voted stoppage of the year back in March when he brutally put Stevens’ lights out in New York City.

 

Could another vicious stoppage success be on the cards on home soil? It’s up to Saunders and Ingle to execute their upcoming gameplan perfectly to secure what would be a highly impressive victory on the road, but it looks likely of being a truly testing night in Quebec. 

UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANTHONY JOSHUA STOPS MANDATORY CHALLENGER CARLOS TAKAM IN 10TH

 

Joshua vs. Takam, The First of Consecutive Heavyweight World Title Fights On SHOWTIME, Replays TONIGHT at 10:40 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME; And On Sunday Morning at 10 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME 

 

005_Anthony_Joshua_vs_Carlos_Takam

 

CLICK FOR PHOTOS FROM CARDIFF; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 28, 2017) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua stopped IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam in the 10th round on Saturday night at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, where the British sensation improved to 20 wins, all by knockout, and retained both his IBF and WBA world title belts. 

 

Joshua vs. Takam was contested before a record 78,000 fans, the largest ever for an indoor boxing event and was the first of back-to-back heavyweight world title fights airing live on SHOWTIME.  Next Saturday, Nov. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder headlines a three-fight telecast when he faces former world champion Bermane Stiverne at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

 

Creative combinations and some inside fighting rarely seen from the rangy Joshua opened up a cut over Takam’s right eye and floored the challenger in the 4th.  Later, Joshua opened another gash over the left eye but a bloody and battered Takam continued to press forward.  Takam was able to land some significant punches in the middle rounds but not enough to take Joshua off his game.

 

In the 10th, after Joshua landed several big punches including a left-right combination that rocked the courageous challenger, referee Phil Edwards stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:34

 

“I kept my composure,” said Joshua when asked about a head butt in the second round that may have broken the champion’s nose. “We will get my nose cracked back into place and then we can get back to training.”

 

When SKY Sports’ ringside reporter Andy Scott asked the beloved champion about a unification bout with fellow undefeated champion Wilder, Joshua said, “It has to happen. It has to happen for sure.  When it comes down to it, the IBF, IBO and WBA have mandatory challengers.  I can’t just fight any Joe Blow I want.  I have to fight the obligations as champion and once I fulfill those, my door is open to fight anyone, be it Wilder or anyone else.

 

“Everyone saw how hard it took to get the belts,” he continued.  “I am not giving them up for anyone.”

 

When asked about fighting overseas in America or elsewhere, Joshua replied to the delight of the U.K. fans, “As I said, it’s not my decision what happens outside the ring… but look at what boxing is doing.  We are getting people coming in from all around the U.K. and from different countries.  I think we should keep on boxing right here in the U.K.” 

 

 For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL WEIGHTS, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

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Click HERE For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 27, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at a career-high 254 pounds and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam measured 235 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown tomorrow on SHOWTIME.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff where an estimated 78,000 fans will converge for the largest indoor event in boxing history.

 

Joshua, who went past the 10th round for the first time with a sensational knockout of Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, promised conditioning wasn’t an issue.

 

“I’ve been doing a lot more running. Maybe I’m starting to fill out as I get older and I’m starting to find my natural weight,” Joshua said.  “Who knows what it is.  I definitely feel a lot fitter than I have in previous fights.”

 

The referee for Saturday’s contest is Phil Edwards and the judges scoring ringside are Michael Alexander (England), Pawel Kardyni (Poland) and Ron McNair (New York).

 

If Joshua’s previous 19 bouts are any indication, the judges might not be necessary.

 

“I’m not going to say I’m going to knock him out and smash him up and all these types of things,” said Joshua, who has knocked out all of his professional opponents en route to unifying the heavyweight division.  “But that’s what I have to do.”

 

BIBA To Permit Rehydration Drinks In Competition To Reduce Dehydration and also Risk of Potential Bleeds To Brain

 

London, UK: Thursday 26th October 2017.

 

 

In March this year the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) became the first Professional Boxing Commission to introduce Infra-Scanners ringside at events sanctioned by themselves, in an effort to reduce the time between diagnosis of possible bleeds to the brain following contests and the receiving of effective treatment.

 

Since introducing the Infra-Scanners the BIBA Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Graham, has been undertaking research into head injuries in sport as well as investigating procedures that may assist in reducing the actual risk of bleed to the brain injuries in competition.

 

The on-going research has highlighted a number of concerning issues, one such issue relates to volume changes of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) which is directly related to dehydration, as such Professor Graham and the BIBA Medical Committee, headed by BIBA CMO Dr Louise Eccles, have made a number of recommendations that they believe should be introduced as they could assist in reducing the risks.

Besides the recent introduction of the ‘Rehydration Clause’ for all day before weigh-in contests, the first of these new initiatives to be introduced is that from January 2018 rehydration drinks will be permissible for consumption by competitors during the one minute break between rounds during all contests of eight rounds and over, in an attempt to reduce excess dehydration during longer duration contests, which potentially also reduces the risk of bleed to the brain injuries.

 

The Effect of Fluid Intake Following Dehydration on Subsequent Athletic, Cognitive Performance & Potential Traumatic Brain Injuries

A systematic review and meta-analysis (McCartney et al., 2017) of sixty-four (64) trials derived from 42 international publications indicates:

  1. A beneficial effect for fluid intake on athletic and cognitive performance is strongest when a continuous exercise task is employed (i.e., high intensity sport e.g., boxing).
  2. The magnitude of improvement is greater when the continuous exercise is performed at elevated environmental temperatures and over longer exercise durations (i.e., boxing multiple rounds, in closed environments, where temperatures are greater than standard room temperature and pressure).
  3. The volume of fluid consumed, relative to body mass (BM) lost, does not appear to influence the size of the treatment effect. The fluid intake at levels that comply with current recommendations for restoring body water content (1.25–1.50 L per kg BM lost) are as yet inconclusive. Rehydration drinks must be allowed ad libitum.

#BIBAChangingBoxingForGood

www.boxbiba.com

BURNS: I’VE GOT MORE CHAPTERS TO WRITE IN MY CAREER

 

The ‘Rickster’ relishing battle of Britain in Manchester
Former World champions clash as Anthony Crolla takes on Ricky Burns.THIS SATURDAY, October, 7th
LIVE on AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
SAN DIEGO (October 5, 2017) -Ricky Burns believes he can become a World champion once again and wants to prove there’s plenty of chapters to write in his story as he meets Anthony Crolla at the Manchester Arena on Saturday.

THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, October 7tha pair of former world champions will collide as former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla battles former three-division  champion Ricky Burns in a scheduled 12-round lightweight clash at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, and will be broadcast LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UNITED STATES  on  AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment.  The broadcast will begin at 2 PM ET / 11 am PT
 
The fight will also be available on www.klowdtv.com on the AWE Channel.
Three-weight World champion Burns and former Lightweight World ruler Crolla both come into the must-win bout on the back of defeats in unification battles, and the British stars have conceded that defeat would make the road back to the elite-level that they have become accustomed to operating at a long one. 
Burns created history as Scotland’s first ever three-weight king and the Coatbridge star is confident that a win in Manchester would put him back at the top table and in the running for a 14th World title fight in 2018 to continue his remarkable journey in boxing.
“I look at every fight as a must-win fight,” said Burns. “The incentive that has been put in front of us with the possibility of challenging for the World title again, I need to make sure that I go out and win this which I am confident of doing.”
“This is my first time fighting in Manchester so I am sure it’s going to be a great night for the fans. I’ve got so much respect for Anthony, he’s a brilliant fighter and this is going to be a cracking fight.”
“We’re both in the same boat now, coming back after a loss and looking to get our names back amongst the big boys. There were a few names mentioned for my next fight but this was the only fight that I wanted once I knew it could be made.”
“I know that there’s a good crowd coming down from Glasgow but any boxing fan is going to win with this fight, you know what you are going to get when we fight, we’ll lay it all on the line and the best man will win.”
“People are saying to me now ‘if you lose this what are you going to do?’ That thought hasn’t crossed my mind. I know this is a hard fight but the carrot of a possible World title fight means that the rewards are massive, but I didn’t need any more incentive for this fight, that just topped it off for me.”
“Over the last year everyone has asked when I am going to retire over the last year. I’ve had 48 fights but I’ve never come out of the ring with my face in a state, I still enjoying training and the sparring and fighting side of it are the best parts in my eyes.”
“If there ever came a point that I was coming out hurt fight after fight, or in the gym sparring these young hungry kids and taking too many punches, I’d know myself that it’d be time to call it a day, but I know that I’ve got lots of big nights left in me and I am confident that Saturday is going to be one of them.”
“I’ve never thought about what I’ve done in my career because it’s nowhere near finished yet. I’m not retiring until boxing is out of my system. The last thing I want to do is pack it in too early and then a year down the line want to come back. I won’t be done until I hate training and I am fed up with dieting.”
“I may have over-achieved in some people’s eyes, but I’ve worked my arse off to get to where I have. People see you turn up and fight but only those closest to you see what I do two or three times a day, seven days a week for 12 weeks before a fight, I knock my pan in.”
“Look who Anthony has boxed over the last two years, he’s only boxed the best. He’s lost to Linares but he went 24 rounds and he wasn’t knocked out or badly hurt at all. You are losing to guys at the elite level, these are incredible fighters and this is my job, if you have a rough day at the office you come back again the next day and make sure you are better.”
“I’ve always admitted that I’m not the best boxer ever, but if you are going to beat me, you’re going to have to be really good or you will have to work for it because the way I train I am confident I will be there at a great pace for the full 12 rounds and my mental toughness is one of my best attributes.”
Burns and Crolla clash on a huge night of action in Manchester as Sam Eggington defends his European Welterweight title for the first time against mandatory challenger Mohamed Mimoune and Robbie Barrett also makes a maiden defence against a mandatory predator as he puts his British Lightweight strap on the line against undefeated Lewis Ritson.
Some of Britain’s brightest stars from both sides of the border are in action with Crolla’s trainer Joe Gallagher having a busy night with Scotty Cardle, Hosea Burton, Marcus Morrison and Sam Hyde all gloving up, while Burns is joined by fellow countrymen Charlie Flynn and Joe Ham.
Former World Bantamweight title challenger Gavin McDonnell looks to get back in line for a second crack at the big one, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn fights for the ninth time in the paid ranks and local talents Jake Haigh and Ryan Doyle also feature.

Gallagher Beats Bazo To Secure PBC Crown in Liverpool

Report: Gianluca Di Caro

There was a true feast of boxing action on offer Saturday night, both live and on TV, Billy Joe Saunders defending his WBO Crown in London, Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin battling it out from supremacy of the Middleweight ranks is Las Vegas, yet still the Merseyside boxing fans turned out in force to support one of their own, Dayle Gallagher, as he fought for his first Championship, at the Jubilee Sports Bank in Liverpool.

Unusually instead of being the final contest of the evening, Liverpool’s unbeaten Dayle Gallagher clash with the Czech Republic’s Daniel Bazo for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Silver Welterweight title, was the opening pro bout.

Gallagher is fast becoming one of the top prospects in the welterweight division, on Saturday night he proved just why he is becoming one of the most talked about young fighter from the City, as throughout the battle with Bazo he showed a maturity that belied his young age, keeping a cool head and sticking to his game plan against the seriously tough and awkward Czech fighter.

Round one see both lads taking a mature and professional approach to the proceedings, tentatively testing the other out, don’t get me wrong when I say testing I don’t mean tippy-tappy stuff, but them both taking their time and picking their shots.

Round two was a totally different affair, which see both lads aggressively attacking, yet in a controlled manner, it was a all action and a great round for the fans of pugilistic arts.

More of the same in the third, and to a degree the fourth, however Gallagher’s shots were carrying more power than in the earlier rounds, Bazo definitely is no walk over and the Czech lad countered in impressive manner throughout.

As we entered the second half of the contest Bazo stepped up the pace, yet Gallagher kept his head and stuck to his game plan rigidly and patiently kept his cool, picking his shots for maximum effect.

In the sixth Bazo again tried to force Gallagher to up the pace, but the savvy Scouse lad kept his cool and countered the hard charging Czech impressively.

More of the same in the seventh BUT the eighth was fought at a scintillating pace – changing the feel of the bout from a battle to an all out war- phenomenal round!!!!

After eight very, very close fought rounds referee Christopher Kelly scorecard rightly read 79-77 in favour of Liverpool’s own Dayle Gallagher – after which PBC’s head honcho Russell Jaques presented the beautiful PBC belt.

Second pro bout see local lad Johnny McConville against Stockport’s Will Cairns in a four round Middleweight contest

Wow, what can I say these two warriors went to war right from the off, I couldn’t have kept count of the big shots thrown by both protagonists in the first if I wanted to, there were just so many, and even more impressively the amount that landed, from both protagonists.

Initially it was hard to split the pair on who had thrown more or the most powerful but a winner for that particular round became apparent in the final minute as McConville landed a pin point perfect body-shot to send Cairns down. The Stockport lad is clearly made of sterner stuff, as not only made the count but went on the attack for the final seconds of the round.

As in the first, Round two was all action with both lads dishing out vicious power shots to body and head throughout – what a round, you just couldn’t take your eyes of the action for a single second.

It hardly seems conceivable but both lads kicked up the pace even more in the third, the action was frenetic, that was until around the halfway mark when again McConville landed another sensationally powerful body shot – plaudits to Cairns as not only did he make the count but, as before, instead of covering up for the inevitable hard and fast attack by McConville turned the tables and went on a full force frontal attack the final minute or so. Have to say that round was pure pugilistic heaven to watch as both lads determinedly fought to retain centre ground as if their lives depended on it

As the seconds ticked down towards the bell, McConville summoned up another of his pin point accurate body shots to send his foe to the canvas for the third and final time – referee Chris Kelly waved the contest off on the 2:58 second mark of the third stanza

The third and final pro bout of the night see another local young lad, Martin Freeman making his pro debut against the tough and durable Marty Kayes from Belfast.

Before I get to the fight itself I just have to say that in my view Freemen a new star shone brightly for the first time last night and I feel that this youngster is destined to go right to the top in the sport, this kid is class, serious class.

Ok, the fight itself was pure joy to watch, Kayes is one savvy operator and as tough as they come. Believe me the Irishman really put Freemen to the test and the more importantly the youngster passed with flying colours.

Freeman controlled the proceedings with ease, his ring-craft was superb and his shots were incredibly accurate, have to say if that was anyone other than someone like the super tough and durable Mr Kayes sharing the ring on Saturday night the result could quite easily have been a stoppage win on his debut, but in the last 13 years only one man has managed to stop the Irishman, and that was former Team GB star Iain Weaver!

After four sublime rounds of action referee Chris Kelly rightly scored the contest 40-36 to Martin Freeman.

Congratulations to not just all the boxers, but also to Fight Club promoter Kyle Gallagher, each of his shows I’ve been to has been superb, not just the location or production of the events, but also for his care to ensure that each fight is equally matched, not over matched to give the home fighter an advantage as seems to be the norm these day, can’t wait for his next offering.

Billy Joe Saunders vs Willie Monroe, Jr. WBO World Middleweight Title Bout to be Streamed LIVE THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON on Banner Promotions Network Youtube Channel

   

Exclusive stream in the United States & Canada to begin at 5:30 PM ET
Philadelphia. Pa.(September 13, 2017)–This Saturday afternoon, WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders will take on number-2 ranked Willie Monroe Jr. at The Copper Box Arena in London.
Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the fight will be streamed live exclusively in the United States & Canada on the Banner Promotions Network Youtube page beginning at5:30 ET / 2:30 PT, with the Saunders – Monroe Jr. fight beginning at 6:30 PM ET.
“We are happy to be able to bring the fans in the United States & Canada this very important title bout.  With the interest in the fight and the ramifications for the winner to be in line to fight the Canelo Alvarez – Gennady Golovkin winner, we expect a big audience on Youtube to view this fight,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

Decastro Vs Landaeta Showdown For IBF European Crown on October 21st

ASSASSIN BOXING PROMOTIONS & MANAGEMENT

 

Aberdeen, UK. Saturday 9th September 2017.

 

 

British Super Middleweight Nathan ‘Nightmare’ Decastro (9-0-0 with 8KOs) is set to challenge Spain’s Ronny Landaeta (12-0-0 with 8KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) European Super Middleweight European Championship at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena in Malaga, Spain on Saturday October 21st.

 

Decastro, the current MBC International Champion, who is currently ranked #13 in the IBF Intercontinental ratings, spoke briefly on learning of the golden opportunity.

 

“I can’t put into words what this fight means to me, I am a fighting man and fighting is my life.

 

This is a golden opportunity that I will take with both hands and show everyone what I’m made of.

 

Huge thanks to Lee (Manager Lee McAllister) for sorting this, what can I say, I only signed with his Assassin Boxing Promotions and Management company a few weeks ago and already he’s already got me a shot at title.

 

To fight for any title is an honour, but to fight for a coveted IBF belt is something else.

 

I know this is not an easy fight, Ronny’s undefeated in twelve and has successfully defended his Spanish title twice against top class opposition, but then again he’s not fought me yet, I’m not called the Nightmare for nothing.”

 

Nathan’s Manager, Three Time World Champion Lee McAllister, then added

 

“This a cracking opportunity for Nathan to catapult himself in to the World rankings, exciting times ahead for him if he’s successful.

 

We know we are going into the Lions den as massive underdogs, but I will be making sure that Nathan has space in his bag for the belt when coming home.

 

That’s not all, If all goes well in the next few days I hope to be announcing another Assassin Boxing Promotions and Management boxer challenging for an IBF title, here in the UK this time though”

 

 

www.assassinboxingpromotionsandmanagement.co.uk

 

Willie Monroe, Jr. Media Day Quotes, Pictures and Videos

   

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia. Pa./Rochester, NY (Aug. 31, 2017) –  This past Tuesday at the Rochester Fight Factory, Willie Monroe, Jr. met a throng of media personel during his media day workout in advance of his September 16th showdown with WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders at the Copper Box Arena in London, England.
Monroe held court and analyzed many topics regarding the fight and his career as he gets ready for his 2nd world title opportunity.
Below are quotes, video interviews and images from the event, which included a visit from Rochester Deputy Mayor Cedric Alexander.
MONROE QUOTES:
“I am battle tested, and I have gone through this and gave a good account of myself against Golovkin. This time, I am going to enjoy the moment a little more. I am enjoying the process.”

“Nothing is given to you, so I have to go take it.”

“I give people from my city hope.”

“The one thing that Golovkin and Canelo need, I am going to get my hands on, so they will have to see me.”

“Saunders is a little mouthy. I am a humble guy. It has me motivated, and come September 16th, he will have heck to pay.”

“I want my rematch with Triple-G, but I think Canelo is the more skilled fighter. It will be a great fight. I appreciate both of them for fighting each other.”

“I might feel like boxing his ears off, or I may want to get him out of there.”

“My application to boxing, shows that I am strongrt then these guys.”
Willie Monroe, Jr roundtable interview
Willie Monroe, Jr roundtable interview
Willie Monroe, Jr 1 on 1 interview
Willie Monroe, Jr 1 on 1 interview


 
Images
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

Khan and Newell in Sensational Knockout Form Reign Supreme in Bradford

Report: Gianluca Di Caro

The boxing scene in the North of England is really booming, especially  around the cities of Leeds and Bradford. One of the main reasons for  the increase of professional boxing events in the area is due to  Bradford’s very own reigning World Boxing Union (WBU), Global Boxing  Union (GBU) and World Boxing Confederation (WBC) World Champion Tasif  Khan, who for the past couple of years has been working closely with  Leeds based promoter Bridie Murtagh to bring stylish Boxing Dinner  Shows to the area.

The latest of these took place at the Royal Taj, formerly the  Connaught Rooms, in Bradford, which not only featured the  aforementioned Tasif Khan himself in action, against Tanzania’s Julias  Kisarawe, but also heralded the return of unbeaten Lightweight  prospect Justin Newell from Leeds, who faced Latvian Aleksandrs  Birkenbergs

Besides the local lads on the card, exciting Super Welterweight  prospect Chris Wood from Middlesbrough was in action against Belfast’s  Marty Kayes, however two top class International bouts scheduled for  the event, a ten round Middleweight contest between Ishmael Tetteh and  Philip Kotey, as well as an eight round Welterweight contest between  Frank Dodzi and Justice Addy, failed to materialise due to visas for  three of the boxers failing to arrive in time.

Whilst disappointing that these two fights didn’t go ahead, there was  more than enough action to keep the fans happy, as promoter Bridie  Murtagh arranged for two exhibition bouts featuring local lads to  replace the Internationals ahead of the pro element.

First up was Chris Wood against Marty Kayes in a four rounder.

What a cracking start to the pro section, it was all action right from  the opening bell, Wood was clearly fired up and went on the attack,  closing down his far more experienced opponent before letting rip with  a vast array of combinations at every conceivable opportunity. Kayes  though is as savvy as they come, would cover up and seemed more than  content to let the fired up youngster get his shots off before  countering.

After four scintillating rounds the referee’s scorecard unsurprisingly  read as a 40-36 points victory for the Teesider Chris Wood.

Next up was unbeaten Justin Newell in a six rounder against the very  tough Latvian Aleksandrs Birkenbergs.

Newell was on fire, slick movement and very fast hands – Birkenbergs  was no walk over and landed a cracking right hand about midway through  the round, which lit the blue touch-paper for Newell, who went hard on  the attack throwing some tasty big shots to body and head, which  ultimately led to Birkenbergs taking a visit to the canvas. This kid’s  tough, he was straight up and going toe to toe with Newell until the  end of the round.

Round two was fantastic to watch, both lads giving no quarter –  beautiful boxing from both, but Newell’s class proved just too much  for the plucky Latvian as the Leeds lad piled some serious pressure in  the second half of the fight before letting rip with big double handed  salvos that sent Birkenbergs to the deck in the dying seconds of the  round, no matter how hard he tried Birkenbergs just couldn’t make the  count – great win on his return to the fray for Newell who won by TKO,  the time would you believe 2 minutes and 59 seconds of round two.

The headline fight see WBU, GBU and WBC World Champion take on  Tanzania’s Julias Kisarawe in a ten round non-championship contest,  instead of the scheduled twelve round World Boxing Confederation (WBC)  Super Flyweight title defence for Khan, due to lateness of the visa  arriving for Kisarawe to complete the necessary Championship paperwork  for the contest to be sanctioned by the WBC.

First round started fast and see Kisarawe taking the fight to Khan,  however the Bradford lad stood his ground and picked his shots for  maximum effect
More of the same in round two, except this time it was Khan that took  the fight to Kisarawe.

Round three see Khan really start to get in a flow, regularly backing  his opponent up before letting rip with wickedly fast double handed  salvos, the power and speed in Khan’s shots finally had the desired  effect and the super tough Tanzanian took a very brief trip to the  canvas.

On the restart Kisarawe went hard on the attack, throwing seriously  solid lefts in an attempt to do unto Khan what the Bradford lad did to  him moments before (with 14 KO wins on his record Kisarawe is very  capable of doing just that)
Round four was an outright war and fascinating to watch, as was round  five and six but for very different reasons. Khan stepped not just one  gear but at least two or three and corralled the Tanzanian into a  corner and just plain bombarded him with double handed Exocets  throughout

More of the same in round seven but this time Khan managed to  penetrate Kisarawe’s world class defence and sent him to the canvas  for the second time.
Kisarawe managed to make the count but it was clear for all to see  that he was in some distress, so much so that referee James Ancliff  had no option but to stop the contest on the one minute twelve second  mark.

What followed then was a good thirty minute celebration in the ring by  Tasif Khan, his team AND many of the fans!!!!

Have to say the Khan/Murtagh co-promoted shows I’ve attended have  always been top class, however this event, even though a couple of  fights short, was by far the best one yet, the fights were all  beautifully matched all action affairs, what more could any fan of the  pugilistic arts wish for. Can’t wait for the next, which I hear is  going to be in December.