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Fight Report: Corito Reigns Supreme In Title Clash – Laamouz Stops Mukhamadiyarov as New Stars Farrugia and Brown Shine.

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Report: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Photos: Viktor Vella

 

 

On Friday night, in the grounds of the incredibly beautiful Monte Kristo Estates in Hal Luqa, Malta, local boxing fans were treated to a magnificent night of International boxing.

 

The event, which was headlined by the MBC International Heavyweight title clash between Malta’s very own ‘King’ Billy Corito and the big hitting (18 KO’s from 27 wins) Latvian Edgars Kalners, was the first event from new promoters Steve Carauna and Mark Calleja, along with a little help from experienced British promoter Stephen Vaughan.

 

Right from the opening bell Corito went straight on the attack, landing a big right to the head, Kalners stood his ground and shot out a strong jab, only to receive another big right hand that connected flush.

 

What followed next was a controlled exchange between both protagonists that had many of the highly vocal fans on their feet and cheering on their man.

 

After a fairly frenetic start both fighters settled into a slower pace for the rest of the round.

 

Round two was fought at a good pace, with both men exchanging big shots throughout.

 

Without doubt both the first couple of rounds were fairly close, although surely could only be scored in favour of Corito due to him not only being the busier but also his shots showed way more intent, but the third was a totally different affair.

 

Corito slowly ground his man down, forcing Kalners back constantly with a series of powerful salvos, a number of which shook the big Latvian to the core, each time the local crowd became more vocal in encouraging their man to step up the attacks, which on some occasions he did much to the delight of the partisan crowd.

 

More of the same from Corito in the fourth, however Kalners seemed to have lost the will to go toe-to-toe, which made the round very much a one sided affair, with Kalners covering up often and allowing Corito to let rip with big right hands.

 

During one of the exchanges Kalners seemed to be caught in the rib area and as he went to shoot out a right hand of his own let out a cry of pain, after which pulled his right arm across his chest and began to turn away from his forward advancing foe.

 

Corito cautiously moved forward and looked toward referee Lee Murtagh for guidance on whether he should continue the attack or not on the stricken Latvian.

 

Whilst a gentlemanly act from Corito, it almost cost him dear as Kalners turned and threw out a strong jab and looked set to throw a big right.

 

Corito responded with another salvo of big rights and kept up the pressure until the end of the round.

 

Coming out in the fifth Kalners seemed sluggish and was breathing heavily, clearly in some form of discomfort, however Corito was not going to make the same mistake as in the previous round and once again began throwing big right hands at every conceivable opportunity.

 

For virtually the whole round it was Corito walking his opponent down, throwing big right hands to head and body, then in the dying seconds of the round Corito stepped up the pressure once more.

 

When the bell rang Corito turned and headed straight to his corner, however Kalners appeared disoriented for a few seconds before finally heading back to his corner, referee Lee Murtagh showed some concern, as did MBC Chief Medical officer Dr Mark Xuereb, who immediately headed to Kalners’ corner and began checking over the distressed Latvian.

 

As the minute break was coming to an end the referee stepped forward, as it was clear that Kalners was in no position to continue and waved the bout off just as the opening bell for round six rang.

 

Have to say I’ve seen Billy Corito in action a number of times, he’s always been good for the money, but this time he was magnificent.

 

Credit in part must go to Corito’s coach, former WBU World Champion Shea Neary, who came up with a game plan that surprised most, gone were the big haymaker’s Corito is so well known for, instead Corito was controlled, good head movement and his punches were crisp, sharp and more importantly nearly always bang on target.

 

Word is that Corito’s team were so impressed with his performance that discussions are already underway for a mouth watering showdown later this year with a certain big name British Heavyweight.

 

The main support see Pieta, Malta’s Haithem Laamouz in action against Russia’s Ravil Mukhamadiyarov.

 

Laamouz took the fight to the more experienced Mukhamadiyarov right from the start and kept up the pressure throughout the first couple of rounds.

 

Early on in the second Laamouz landed a cracking body shot that sent Mukhamadiyarov to the deck, as referee Lee Murtagh reached the 8 count surprisingly the tough Russian jumped to his feet. The plucky lad surprised most observers by making it to the end of the round despite Laamouz’s efforts to finish the fight early.

 

From the third on the pressure from Laamouz was clearly proving too much for Mukhamadiyarov, the Russian covering up and only occasionally responding with an ineffective jab to keep the Maltese lad at bay.

 

Early in the fifth round Laamouz backed Mukhamadiyarov onto the ropes and began a non-stop assault, until referee Lee Murtagh stepped in to save the Russian from further punishment on the one minute and thirty seven second mark.

 

Supporting the pro bouts were a number of International Novice Pro and semi-pro bouts between local boxers and a team from the United Kingdom.

 

The Novice Pro is a recently introduced division featuring boxers with limited amateur or unlicensed boxing experience but wishing to compete in the professional division.

 

The Novice Pro division is operated under full professional boxing rules and with the same medical requirements as the professional division.

 

The main differences between Novice Pro and Pro bouts are that, only Novice Pro licensed boxers can compete against another Novice Pro Licensed boxer and that the rounds are of two minute duration, not three as in the pro ranks.

 

OK, so now that’s explained let’s get back to the action.

 

The final Novice Pro bout see Malta’s Malik Zinad against UK’s William O’Reilly in a six, two minute round contest for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Light Heavyweight title.

 

These two warriors went to war right from the opening bell, both giving their all for every single second of every round.

 

In the fourth Zinad stepped up the pace, occasionally forcing O’Reilly onto his back foot, it was later during one of these forceful attacks that Zinad began letting rip with some mighty bombs, one of which was just a tad off target and the thumb of his glove accidently entered the eye socket of the English lad, no surprise that as it did O’Reilly let out a shocked scream of pain as he headed for the canvas.

 

Dr Xuereb and his medical team were by the clearly distressed Englishman’s side in an instant, literally as referee Lee Murtagh waved the bout off.

 

I’m pleased to say that I had spoken with William O’Reilly since and he is absolutely OK and there is no lasting damage to his eye.

 

Prior to Zinad-O’Reilly was Malta’s Kerstin Brown against the UK’s Nathan Lavery, for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Super Bantamweight title.

 

Young Brown is definitely one to watch and judging on his performance on Friday night is destined to become a future star, think of a younger Carl Frampton and that’ll give you an idea of just how classy and exciting young Brown is.

 

From start to finish the youngster controlled the bout like a seasoned pro, his ring craft was supreme, cutting off the ring to keep Lavery pinned against the ropes before closing in and letting rip with lightning fast double handed flurries.

 

Nobody was surprised when the score cards were read out, a shutout 60-51 in favour of Brown, as he really dominated the bout from start to finish, outboxing his taller opponent in sensational fashion.

 

The first Novice Pro bout featured Malta’s Max Farrugia against the UK’s Lewis Burns in a four rounder.

 

As with young Kerstin Brown, Farrugia is another emerging star, this kid has it all, think Junior Witter in his younger days, slick, switch boxing with so much panache it is mouth watering to watch.

 

From start to finish Farrugia out boxed his tough opponent, at times he made it look too easy, but believe me it wasn’t as Burns is one tough cookie and gave his all for every second of every round, just Farrugia is a class act, one that will be a great addition to the pro ranks that’s for sure.

 

After four sensational round the ringside judges scored the bout 40-36 (twice) and 40-37 in favour of the deserving Max Farrugia.

 

What a cracking fight and as with the other Novice Pro bouts, easily equal in quality to the full pro bouts.

 

The results for the semi-pro bouts are:

 

Noel Lebrun (Malta) vs Jonathan Dean (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Majority Decision in favour of UK’s Jonathan Dean.

Lee Murtagh 27-30, Darren Mairs 29-29 and Steve Farrugia 28-29

 

Goran Bogdanovic (Malta) vs Bradley McDonnell (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Split Decision in favour of Malta’s Goran Bogdanovic.

Lee Murtagh 29-28, Darren Mairs 29-30 and Steve Farrugia 29-28

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Dodson and Economides Head Up Vaughan’s Star Studded 23rd May Liverpool Event.

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Renowned Liverpool based promoter Stephen Vaughan is clearly determined to raise the bar, for Small Hall Boxing events, to a whole new level, with his latest offering, dubbed ‘NEW ERA – An Evening Of Professional Boxing’, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.

 

For those that were at Vaughan’s previous event, at the Grand Central Hall back in March, there is no need to stress just how good the event was.

 

May 23rd promises much, much more, on paper NEW ERA looks set to not only be a true small hall classic, but also looks likely to set a new standard that very few small hall promotions could possibly match.

 

Heading up the twelve bout card is Liverpool’s very own Tony Dodson, who will be back in hometown action for the first time since beating Darren Stubbs to secure the IBO Light Heavyweight International title, back in October 2011.

 

On the 23rd May, Dodson, who in his previous fight secured a solid points victory over one of the toughest opponents around – the mischievous, yet highly durable, Jody Meikle, will be facing Latvia’s big punching Andrejs Pokumeiko.

 

In March last year, Pokumeiko secured a good solid points win over Ilford’s Kevin Greenwood at York Hall in London, which is the only points win on his record, every other win has come by way of stoppage victory.

 

The main support sees Chester’s WBF Intercontinental Champion Paul ‘Spartan’ Economides, in a non-championship contest against Estonia’s Sergey Tasimov.

 

Back on Vaughan’s previous event Economides put in another top class performance, against Ghana’s two time Commonwealth title challenger Isaac Quaye, on way to securing another sensational second round stoppage victory.

 

That particular win says a lot about Economides’ power as Quaye hadn’t been stopped on any of his previous thirty six fights, some feat considering Quaye has battled it out with the likes of Commonwealth champion Don Broadhurst, British, Commonwealth and European Champion Kevin Satchell and WBO European Champion Iain Butcher amongst other notable stars.

 

What’s more, on May 2nd Economides went one better, with a clinical first round stoppage of the Czech Republic’s Petr Gyna, at the York Hall in London.

 

Globe trotting Tasimov, has fought some of the UK’s top stars previously, including interim WBA World Champion Derry Mathews, British and European Champion and upcoming IBF World title challenger Lee Askins, as well as former British and Commonwealth Champion Nicky Booth.

 

Whilst most cards have a top-flight domestic bout or two heading up the show, the support card is usually made up of local ‘house’ fighters tentatively building their records. Not this card; only three of the undercard fights feature developing talent, the rest are already well and truly established prospects and stars.

 

One of the most interesting match ups on the card pits Liverpool’s Nick Quigley against … you’ve guessed it, the aforementioned Jody Meikle.

 

Quigley made short work of his last opponent, Ludvik Gina, sensationally stopping the Czech in just fifty five seconds of the first round.

 

Don’t think the same will happen against Meikle, but do expect six rounds of truly entertaining boxing, with some mischievousness sprinkled in for maximum effect, based on Meikle’s last outing against Onder Ozgul at York Hall on May 2nd.

 

Next up is the exciting prospect of watching one of the World’s most successful Kick Boxing stars ever, thirteen time World Champion Marlon Hunt, making his highly anticipated transition to the pro boxing ranks, against Latvia’s Uldis Pucens.

 

Hunt recently said “After winning 13 Professional World titles in Full Contact Kickboxing, K – 1Rules and Muay Thai and Unifying the Big 5 WBC, ISKA, WAKO PRO, IKF & WKA and winning other mid and low Tier World Titles and various Semi Pro Boxing Titles it’s time to take on the Professional Boxing world. “

 

Hunt has made clear that he isn’t taking up pro boxing to just make up the numbers, he’s a hundred percent determined to be the first ever four discipline World Champion.

 

Whilst on the subject of World Champions, Chester’s World Boxing Federation Welterweight World Champ Chris Goodwin is back in action once more, in a non-championship bout, against Finsbury Park, London’s Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander.

 

Goodwin, a two division World Champion, will be making his first appearance since beating Georgia’s Mikheil Avakyan to win the coveted WBF World crown back in August.

 

Alexander, who had been training and fighting in America until recently, scored a third round stoppage victory over Tadas Stulginskas on his return to UK action at York Hall in London last October.

 

Birmingham’s undefeated Lightweight sensation Antonio Counihan is back in the ‘Pool, this time to face Janis Puksins.

 

Counihan, the former England Amateur Captain, has been nothing but sensational in each of his six previous bouts, stopping five inside the distance, however it was his last performance that proved that the Brummie youngster is destined to rise to the very top.

 

Back in March, Counihan took on previously unbeaten Czech Lukas Radic, Counihan didn’t just beat Radic, he plain destroyed him in just two minutes and twenty eight seconds of the first round.

 

Puksins is another globe trotter that should be quite well known to British fans, having fought the likes of former Prizefighter winner Ricky Owen, former WBU, WBF, WBC and Prizefighter Champion Choi Tseveenpurev, British Champ James Dickens and upcoming Commonwealth title challenger Jason Cunningham amongst others.

 

Another youngster who is fast heading towards World stardom is Liverpool based, Russian Featherweight prospect David Agadzhanyan, who will face former Ghanaian Champion Isaac Osuwu on May 23rd.

 

Like Counihan, Agadzhanyan has stopped all but one of his previous opponents and coincidently the bout against the one that went the distance, another previously unbeaten prospect Daniel Bazo, featured on Vaughan’s last event.

 

What a fight, it was something truly special and a fight that many of those in attendance would love to see re-matched sometime in the near future, although have to say the result would probably be the same as Agadzhanyan is a tremendous talent, one that is likely to follow in the footsteps of Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev – yep, he’s that special.

 

Since that win, Agadzhanyan totally destroyed Czech Republic’s Josef Redlich, putting the Czech lad down three times before finally stopping him on the two minute and twenty five second mark of the first round, at the York Hall in London on May 2nd.

 

Liverpool’s former British, Commonwealth and WBF World title challenger Tony Moran is set for his first hometown fight since beating Czaba Andras at the Olympia back in 2005.

 

On May 23rd Moran will be facing Blackpool’s former WBC United States title challenger Mathew ‘The Rock’ Ellis.

 

Welsh Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher makes his first Liverpool appearance on May 23rd, against Latvian Zaurs Sadihovs.

 

Back in March Churcher took on Nottingham’s Matt Scriven, after both their original opponents failed to make their flights to the UK.

 

Have to say I doubt the original match-ups would have been anywhere near the Battle Royale these two fought out on that night. It was a sensational close fought bout, with both protagonists giving their all in front of a highly appreciative crowd.

 

Churcher won on points, but have to say the real winners were the fans in attendance on the night, as that was one seriously exciting, all action fight.

 

Sadihovs, who has a won four, lost two record, however each of the wins came way of first round stoppage victories, including a full blown KO of Olegs Asejevs in January.

 

Making his third pro outing on May 23rd will be big punching Liverpudlian Featherweight Jay Carney.

 

Young Carney is proving to be one of the finds of the year, two outings, two fantastic stoppage wins.

 

Back in December Carney utterly outclassed Patrik Gadzo before stopping him on the one minute and thirty two second mark of the first round.

 

Then in March followed that great win up with a third round stoppage victory over the highly experienced Petr Gyna. Have to say that was a great fight, young Carney was far more relaxed and just performed perfectly, dominating Gyna for virtually every second the bout lasted.

 

Carney’s opponent on May 23rd is Dmitrijs Gutsman, is another big puncher, whilst his record is two wins and four losses, it should be noted that the wins both came way of first round stoppage.

 

Also making his third pro outing on May 23rd is Liverpool’s Lee Boyce, who will be taking on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.

 

Back in March Boyce literally destroyed Matus Olah with the very first power shot he threw, a cracking bodyshot that sent Olah down and out after just twenty seconds of the first round.

 

It should be noted that the power shot from Boyce actually cracked Olah’s rib, so whilst we didn’t get to see much action we now know just how powerful Boyce’s punches are.

 

Finally making his professional debut on the 23rd May is Liverpool Welterweight Dayle Gallagher, who goes up against Nottingham’s experienced Matt Scriven.

 

Gallagher is a classy young boxer and Scriven is as tough as they come, so expect fireworks when they go toe to toe.

 

So there you have it, one seriously great card for what is clearly going to be one seriously great fight night, so now you know it’s time to go and get those tickets because if you miss it, you’ll regret it.

 

The Stephen Vaughan promoted NEW ERA event takes place at the Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 2SF, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 & £40 are available direct from any of the boxers taking part or call Stephen Vaughan on 07789 037802.

 

boxing, kickboxing, UK Boxing

13 Time KB World Champ Hunt Signs With Vaughan – Pro Boxing Debut, Liverpool 23rd May

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Undisputed and unified WBC, ISKA, WAKO, IKF & WKA World Champion, Marlon Hunt, is set to begin his professional boxing career later this month, following his signing management papers with renowned Liverpool based promoter Stephen Vaughan.

 

Hunt, who has held World titles in three different disciplines – Kick Boxing, K-1 Rules and Muay Thai – and five different weight categories, will be making his professional boxing debut on Vaughan’s upcoming NEW ERA event, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Saturday 23rd May.

 

With a record breaking thirteen World titles to his name already, Hunt has made it clear that he is not entering the world of professional boxing to just make up the numbers, as when he spoke earlier he made it crystal clear that the change of discipline is so that he can focus on becoming a record holding four discipline World Champion.

 

“I’ve obviously done Kick Boxing, K-I Rules and Muay Thai, went through all the ranks there, won literally all the World titles in those sports, all the major World titles as well, so now I think it’s time to give pro boxing a shot.

 

I only signed with Stephen Vaughan on the 2nd May and it looks like I’m going to be busy straight away, he has me boxing on May 23rdin Liverpool and again on the 25th July in Malta.

 

That was a shock, so let’s get it done, that’s the good thing about Steve, you know, it was literally I wanted to be managed by him as he sorts things out really quick.

 

This really suits me, I want to start challenging for titles as soon as possible, I’ve done everything that I’ve done in the other sports, I’ve been told for many years I should switch to pro boxing, but I didn’t think it was the right time, especially now with what I have won, again it will help me going up the rankings a little faster than I would have done otherwise, because of my experience, yeah I think it is the right time now.

 

I will still compete occasionally at Kick Boxing, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my pro boxing, I do want to do the mandatory defenses in my other sports, yeah I really want to defend my World titles still, apart from that I am concentrating fully on my pro boxing career.

 

There’s only a few people that have successfully transferred from one sport to the other, Chris Algieri, he was a kick boxer and has won a pro boxing World title, if Algieri can do it, I’m sure if I push the right way and I’m getting the right fights, I’m sure I can do the same thing.

 

I’m going to do the best that I can and become a four sport Champion, I don’t think to my knowledge that has actually done that yet, you know World Champion at Kick Boxing, K1, Muay Thai and Pro Boxing, so really would like to be the first to do that.

 

I’ve got some good loyal fans and they’ll be following me through the boxing as well and hopefully when I start pro boxing I’ll attract even more fans too, I feel that this is really good for the sport, not just by being able to attract new blood from the other sports, but also by doing that introduce new fans to both sports.

 

I’m really looking forward to the 23rd May and the beginning of a new pro boxing career for myself.”

 

On Saturday May 23rd, Hunt will be in first class company, as others boxing on the star studded bill include; reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Welterweight Champion Chris Goodwin in action against London’s Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander.

Reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Champion, Paul Economides, former British Super Middleweight and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) International Light Heavyweight Champion Tony Dodson.

BBBofC Welsh Area Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher, British, Commonwealth and WBF World Title challenger Tony Moran in a local derby with Blackpool’s Mathew Ellis, and Prizefighter Light Middleweight finalist and English title challenger Nick Quigley, who is set to face Scunthorpe’s highly entertaining Jody Meikle.

 

In addition to the Championship experienced boxers, there are also a host of upcoming, unbeaten young prospects boxing on the bill, including; sensational former England amateur Captain Antonio Counihan, Liverpool based hot Russian prospect David Agadzhanyan, who faces former Ghanaian Champion Isaac Owusu, Featherweight prospect Jay Carney, Light Heavyweight prospect Lee Boyce, who takes on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.

 

Also making his debut on the 23rd May, alongside Hunt, is local lad Dayle Gallagher, whose first opponent as a pro is Nottingham’s Matt Scriven.

 

Marlon Hunt, against a yet to be named opponent, features on the Stephen Vaughan promoted NEW ERA event, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Saturday 23rdMay 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 & £40 are available direct from Marlon Hunt, from any of the boxers taking part or call Stephen Vaughan on 07789 037802.

boxing, UK Boxing

Someone’s ‘O’ Had To Go – Sensational Counihan Stops Radic In One

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On Friday night, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event, that took place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, Birmingham’s Antonio Counihan scored another big win, when he stopped previously undefeated Lukas Radic from the Czech Republic.

 

With both protagonists keen to keep hold of the precious ‘O’ on their record, there were bound to be some nerves jangling, not just the fighters but also from their family and fans seated ringside, especially when the bout got underway.

 

It was Radic that took the early advantage, coming out hard and fast looking for another early finish, however the Counihan was unfazed, instead electing to box off the back of his excellent jab, which effectively kept the dangerous Czech at a distance and thwarted his early attempts.

 

Around the two minute mark, just as Radic forced his way forward once again, Counihan stepped in with a big right to send Radic down to the canvas.

 

Just as referee Mickey Vann was about to reach the end of the count, Radic managed to just make it to his feet, albeit a little unsteadily. Mickey Vann checked to ensure that Radic was able to continue, before restarting the bout.

 

The instant he did the former England amateur captain went straight on the attack, with a double handed assault to both head and body, Radic covered up but the power of the shots raining down on him was too much and within seconds the inevitable happened and Radic made his second visit to the canvas.

 

Once again Radic just made it to his feet, but was clearly disoriented, leaving referee Mickey Vann no option call a halt to proceedings on the two minute and twenty eight second mark of the first round.

 

To describe the victory as emphatic is an understatement, Counihan’s class shone through, without doubt the 23 year old proved himself to be one of the leading young prospects in the ultra competitive lightweight division.

 

Speaking from his home earlier Counihan spoke briefly about the fight and the possibility of his first challenge for a Championship in the near future.

 

“Yeah well as everyone had said before it’s a very important fight, both Lukas and myself were unbeaten, so someone’s ‘O’ had to go, which in itself adding extra pressure on the night.

 

Unfortunately he was a late replacement, we didn’t know anything about him, other than he was unbeaten with two big stoppage wins, so didn’t really get time to prepare for him specifically, but as the original opponent was a tough big hitter we knew our preparations should be enough to see us through.

 

I felt good, really good, best shape of my life, which is a credit to my team, best I’ve ever felt going into a fight, I was nice and relaxed and just boxed the way we planned.

 

He’s a good boxer, which made it easier for me, I like boxing people that are happy to box rather than hold on all the time.

 

I didn’t expect to stop him let alone so early, just everything opened up for me and the shot was spot on and he went down, after that I knew I could get him out of there, so went in for the finish.

 

Going to have a little rest now and then get back in the gym and start preparing for my next fight, which will be in Leeds on June 7th.

 

After that hopefully get my first title fight, I’ve been told it will be in Birmingham or Coventry, which will be nice and local for my fans for a change.

 

Talking about my fans, I have to say a big thank you to them, they’re incredible they travel all over the country to support me, you can always hear them, they are great, they spend their hard earned money coming to support me, I just can’t thank them enough.”

 

www.tkoboxinggym.com

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Marches On – TKO Win Over Miko Leads To May 2nd Title Shot In London

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On Friday evening Bradford’s Tasif Khan scored another sensational first round stoppage win, this time over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

From the opening bell it was Miko that was the more aggressive, taking the fight to Khan, however in doing so the Czech fighter played straight into the Bradford man’s hands.

 

Khan had expected Miko to start fast and as such when the Czech fighter advanced rapidly, Khan simply danced to the side and let rip with a shot to the body.

 

Miko’s body language made it quite clear that he had been hurt, so no surprise that when he came in hard and fast again that the savvy Khan utilized a similar tactic, this time slipping to the right and letting rip with another body shot, followed up by a scintillatingly fast double handed salvo to both body and head.

 

On around the forty five second mark, Miko, who clearly hadn’t learned to be a little cautious, made yet another forceful attack, this time though Khan threw out a solid jab, followed by an uppercut and then just planted his feet and put full power into a lightning fast left hook, to send the Czech lad to the canvas.

 

Miko managed to make the count, but seconds later walked straight into another big left to the body. This time Miko really struggled to make the count, just managing to do so but was very unsteady on his feet, leaving referee Jimmy Byrne no option but to wave the bout off on the one minute and fifteen second mark of the first round.

 

Immediately after receiving the victor’s laurels Khan was informed by his team that he would get to challenge for his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, on his next planned outing, which will be on the Billy James-Elliott and Mark Lyons promoted LORD OF THE RINGS event at York Hall in London on May 2nd.

 

Following receiving this news Khan spoke briefly about the fight as well as his upcoming title fight.

 

“Yeah brilliant, it was just brilliant.

 

I can’t complain that he didn’t last a round, I would have preferred it had gone on a bit longer, I mean it was a six rounder and I really would have liked to get some rounds under my belt, but as I’ve said before you don’t get paid overtime in this game.

 

We knew that he would start fast and rush in and the plan was to work off my jab to slow him down, basically to try and get the six rounds under my belt.

 

It didn’t quite happen that way as he really came at me much quicker than expected, instead I adapted and caught him with a good shot, I see his legs buckle a bit but he stayed on his feet.

 

He’s a game fighter, most people would have backed off to give themselves time to recover, not him he came back at me hard again, which gave me the opportunity to box him a little bit more and catch him as he came back in.

 

I caught him good with the uppercut and then the body shot, which he went down with.

 

Then I did more or less the same after the restart, although didn’t think I had caught him quite as well as the first time, but when he got up I don’t think he wanted to know anymore, even if the ref had let it carry on.

 

Hopefully onwards and upwards now, I’ve been talking with my team and been told we’ve got a title fight organized for May 2nd in York Hall, same night as Mayweather-Pacquaio fight, so hopefully I’ll pick up my first title, the International Masters, and bring it back to Bradford.

 

As you can see my fans turned out in force and make a lot of noise, they’re all ringside, they love their boxing, it’s a boxing city Bradford, they just need to get more shows there.

 

My fans are great, they travel to watch me, last time it was London, this time Liverpool and obviously it’s back to London again on May 2nd.

 

At the moment I haven’t got the opportunity to pick where I fight, hopefully if I win the title maybe we can get a promoter to put on a show in Bradford so even more of my fans will get a chance to watch me again.

 

I’m grateful for my team, the training went really well, I feel strong, I feel good and the fans coming out in force to support me is adding to that.

 

My sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, have been absolutely great.

 

These guys have been backing me up, which takes away a lot of the pressure so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Again I’ve got to thank my fans, they really are the best, they’ve followed me down to London and of course here in Liverpool, even though traffic was bad they all made it here tonight and really got behind me, making loads of noise, which is a bit like football fans being the twelfth man on the football pitch, it really inspires you, it lifts you hearing all the fans cheering you on, brilliant, just brilliant.”

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan-Miko in Liverpool Showdown this Friday

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This coming Friday evening Bradford’s sensational Super Flyweight Tasif Khan is set to lock horns with Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, in a six rounder on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

Back in January Khan’s long awaited return to the fray, following a two year sabbatical from the sport, was a rather short lived affair, after he stopped the highly experienced Hungarian Richard Voros in just one minute and five seconds of the first round.

 

The fight may not have lasted very long but it was enough for Khan to impress a number of influential ringside observers, including a number of promoters such as Stephen Vaughan, Lee Murtagh, Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott, so much so that they all made offers for him to fight on their upcoming show.

 

Speaking from his Bradford home earlier Khan was clearly elated at the prospect of fighting again this Friday.

 

“It’s great to be back in action again so soon after my comeback fight, this’ll shake the ring rust off for sure.

 

I had a good comeback fight, I’m grateful for that. It only lasted sixty five seconds, it would have been good for it to have gone a bit longer but can’t complain, we don’t get paid overtime you know.

 

I’m really happy with the way everything is going now, I’m feeling good and the preparations for this fight have been spot on.

 

I’m learning a lot, I’m learning something new every single training session, right now I’m feeling fitter, sharper and stronger for this fight than I have before, it’s gone that well.

 

I can’t thank everyone enough for their support, especially as I’ve been out for so long, the support was fantastic last time out and will be even better this time around, it means so much having the fans cheering you on, it really does.

 

Not just the fans, the sponsors too, as a fighter you need to be able to focus and having sponsors supporting your career takes a little pressure off.

 

I’m really grateful to Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, without whose support it would be much harder for me to be able to concentrate on my preparations as I have.

 

I’m really pleased that people like Stephen Vaughan, Lee Murtagh, Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott are all getting behind me and having me fight on their shows.

 

I’m really pleased to be working with people like those I just mentioned, they’re professional, genuine and get the work done and that helps me to go forward on their big shows and I know it’s just a matter of time before I can start bringing titles back to Bradford.”

 

Tasif Khan versus Ladislav Miko features on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Friday, 20th March 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 and £40 are available direct from Tasif on 07756 311857 and will also be available at Grand Central Hall on the night.

 

Doors open 6:30pm first bell 7pm

boxing, UK Boxing

Counihan Ready For Liverpool Showdown With Walter This Friday

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Birmingham Lightweight sensation Antonio Counihan is back in action this week, against Richard Walter, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Friday, 20th March 2015.

Since turning pro in October 2013 Counihan, the former England Amateur team Captain, has proved to be one of the UK’s top prospects of the Lightweight division, scoring five top class wins, four of these by stoppage finish, with Poland’s Marcin Ficner being the only opponent to go the distance with the young Brummie star.

On Friday Counihan will face Richard Walter, who stepped in at late notice after his original opponent was forced to withdraw with a hand injury.

Walter comes into the fight off the back of an excellent first round stoppage win over Rene Oravek in February, however that doesn’t seem to bother Counihan one iota, as he made clear when he spoke earlier today.

“Really looking forward to Friday, should be a very good night.

I have only just heard that I’ve got a new opponent, Richard Walter, don’t know much about him yet as this has just been announced.

I know he stopped his last opponent, so should be a good close fight, which suits me.

Have to admit I’m a bit disappointed with such a late change, but what can you do, fighters get injured in the gym all the time, I’ll just go out there and box the way I always do and if all goes well I’ll get another good win under my belt.

Had five fights now, won all of them, four of them by TKO, so am looking forward to moving up the rankings because I want a shot at a title soon.

Last time out had a real good fight with David Kis, I was really happy with the way that fight went.

It was a real good performance, I was happy with it, listened to my corner and did as they said and got him out of there in the third.

Hopefully I’ll put in a similar kind of performance on Friday, I’m not saying it will be another TKO win, but if it happens I’ll be well pleased, I just want to put on a good performance for the fans.

Talking about my fans, they really are fantastic, they travel to watch me fight every time, I can’t thank them enough for their support, I mean they’ve had to travel to London for four of my fights and now here we are on the road again, this time Liverpool and they’ll be there cheering me on once more, they really are brilliant.

I can only thank them properly for their support by keep performing well and of course keep winning.”

Antonio Counihan versus Richard Walter features on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Friday, 20th March 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) – www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 and £40 are available direct from Antonio on 07535 806545 and will also be available at Grand Central Hall on the night.

Doors open 6:30pm first bell 7pm

 

boxing, Champions TKO Boxing Gym

Great Start To The Year – Seven Wins Out Of Seven For TKO

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We may only be just forty days or so into the New Year, but Johnny Eames and the Champions TKO team are already very, very happy with the way everything is going for them in 2015. First off, they secured new premises for the famous gym and now just over two weeks into the new Boxing year have had a string of seven successes for their ever growing stable of boxers.

 

Earlier today the aforementioned Mr. Eames took a little time out from his busy schedule to talk about the excellent start to the year, for his highly talented young prospects.

 

“Yeah, what a great start to the year for the Champions TKO boys.

 

First up we had four boys out at York Hall on the 30th January, unfortunately I couldn’t get to the show because my boiler burst and my house was flooded, but I kept in touch with everyone to make sure the boys were alright.

 

First in action was Antonio Counihan and from what I heard he put in another stunning performance, stopped his opponent in the third, after dominating the fight from the start.

 

As promised he now has an eight rounder in his next fight, on the Stephen Vaughan show in Liverpool on the 20th March.

 

Then hopefully he’ll get to do something up in Birmingham for an MBC International title or similar.

 

Next up on that show was Tasif Khan, boy did he shake the rust off, short and sweat, stopped his opponent in just sixty-five seconds.

 

From what I heard he put on a fantastic display, gutted I missed it but hopefully get to see him next time he’s out, which is also on the Stephen Vaughan Liverpool show in March.

 

Apparently the fight of the night was our Onder Ozgul’s, a real barnstormer Rio (TKO’s Gianluca Di Caro) said, all action and at a high pace as per usual from Onder.

 

This kid’s ready to move onto six rounders now, like his brother Siar, to be honest with you.

 

As I just said Siar did his first six rounder, again a cracking fight by all accounts, everyone’s so pleased with his performance on the night.

 

It sounds like he’s learned to judge his pace now, rather than go hammer and tongs for the whole six rounds, he paced himself nicely for the full six rounds.

 

On the following night we had Charlie Edwards, making his debut, and Tommy Martin fight for the English title at the O2.

 

Charlie, what can I say he was f**king tremendous.

 

For a kid having his professional debut, I was so impressed with his attitude and professionalism, he never wavered from what he had to do and the occasion never got to him.

 

When he got in the ring he was nice and cool, listened to every word that Brian (coach Brian O’Shaughnessy) said.

 

I told him that he didn’t have to impress, because he’s very good anyway, so no need to try and be good, as he is.

 

It was an absolutely perfect match for his first fight, not a walkover that some of the big names get, he was a very tough kid, who came to fight and really believed he could win, which played right into Charlie’s hands.

 

The kid got a systematic beating from round one to four, but that don’t take away from the kid’s own effort, because he was really trying and then Charlie caught him good with about six seconds to go and that was it.

 

It was just unbelievable, unbelievable I was just so impressed with Charlie.

 

Then we had our Tommy Martin, what can I say this kid walked into our gym two and half years ago now, just eighteen years old and I took a little gamble on him and I told his dad after his first fight, actually before the fight that I’d guarantee him ten wins and then I’ll let him off the lead, we delivered from our end, we got him ten out of ten.

 

I have to admit I was nervous going into the fight, obviously having trained his opponent, Ricky Boylan, previously so knew Ricky is a tough kid and thought he may outman Tommy, but it was totally the other way round, Tommy outmanned him to be fair.

 

Tommy slowed around the sixth round and I was worried that he had left something in the gym, but no problem he came back stronger.

 

I can honestly say I think Tommy only lost two rounds, perhaps one or two could have been shared, but that would be being kind to Ricky, that’s how much Tommy dominated the fight.

 

The scores were 99-92 and 97-93 twice, as you can see they were massively in favour of Tommy and rightly so.

 

Fair play to Ricky he never stopped coming, as we knew he would, but for me Ricky didn’t have enough movement, he was moving his head when out of range but wasn’t when he needed to.

 

Now onto our latest debutant, Mickey O’Rourke, but first I must thank all the fans that turned up for him.

 

He sold two hundred and twenty tickets but more turned up and bought tickets on the night, so probably had about two fifty turn out to support him.

 

They were great, very, very boisterous, they made it a great night for him.

 

Mickey was a bit nervous in the first round, once he got back to the corner Brian (coach Brian O’Shaughnessy) sorted him out.

 

Either way he still won the first round comfortably, the other kid made it hard for him, like holding all the time, but Mickey negated everything he tried to do.

 

Luckily the referee also was quick to break them up every time the kid grabbed Mickey, plus we got Mickey to let go with more than one shot to keep him from coming in to grab him.

 

He won the bout 40-36 but the way he boxed in the last round the other kid did well to hold on to the end.

 

In fairness the kid came up to me after the fight and said ‘Johnny sorry but if I didn’t hold him, he’d have stopped me.’

 

I’m happy with that, he was just doing his job and I think Mickey learned a lot from the fight.

 

The fans loved it, the first round as I said was a bit nervy but the next three rounds were exciting, Mickey’s going to be a crowd pleasing fighter, there’s no two ways about it, and I’m glad to be part of his journey.

 

My mate Colin sent him over to me and he’s been very well schooled at Dale Youth, which has made my job a bit easier and I look forward to his next fight on the 21st March.

 

I hope that all the fans that attended come again, as he needs all the support he can get as without ticket sales the journey stops and this kids too good for that to happen.

 

What can I say, fantastic results for all the boys and of course Champions TKO, seven out of seven, you can’t get better than that, hopefully we’ve set the trend for 2015.”

www.tkoboxinggym.com