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R.I.P SCOTT WESTGARTH 38 Tragedy strikes in a British ring, as 31-year-old loses his life Photos: ACTION IMAGES/ADAM HOLT & ED MULHOLLAND/HBO DON’T MISS HIGHLIGHTS

>> 10 BROOK IS BACK >> 4 EDITOR’S LETTER An exclusive interview with Kell, as well This must serve as a wake-up call as a preview of the Rabchenko clash >> 5 GUEST COLUMN >> 16 POWER SURGE A comment from the BBBofC Who will win the world title clash between Wilder and Ortiz? >> 26 THE OBSESSION Catching up with Jazza Dickens – >> 20 KEEP ON KRUSHIN’ a man who is addicted to boxing Looking ahead to Kovalev’s collision with his fellow Russian, Mikhalkin >> 30 FIGHT OF THE YEAR! A ringside report from the sensational >> 22 SCOTTISH SUPPORT Srisaket-Estrada super-fly spectacle Taylor prepares to face a late 30 substitute in front of his home fans >> 32 FITTING FINALE Smith sets up a mouth-watering WBSS final with Groves – injury-permitting DOWNLOAD OUR APP TODAY >> 42 AMATEURS For more details visit The Lionhearts head to WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET/SUBSCRIPTIONS >> 46 60-SECOND INTERVIEW ‘AS I REALLY DEVELOPED IN THE SPORT, I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO BERNARD HOPKINS’ JJ McDonagh

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 3 EDITOR’S LETTER

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ADAM HOLT Coming next time l ONE of the busiest weekends in recent memory is almost upon us, and we’ll do our best to be ringside in Cover photography ACTION IMAGES/ for PETER CZIBORRA , for - and the ONLY THE BRAVE: All our thoughts 13 other British are with Westgarth’s and Irish shows family and friends, - Brooklyn for and anyone affected Deontay Wilder’s by his tragic death bout with Luis Ortiz and Manhattan for ’s DO HIM PROUD latest defence. l WE catch up It’s getting harder, but we must get behind the sport and strive to improve with Jeff ‘Left ’ Lacy, 12 years after he AN down, they said, heroes being forgotten as they stumble coaches and young boxers, eager to was dominated Scott Westgarth is towards the gutter, broke and helpless. learn, off the streets. Then think of those by Joe Calzaghe dead. Another life Yes, it would be easier, much easier, if streets without boxing, the monstrosities and his career lost to a sport that the noble art that damages so many, was and aggression, the underground fights started a long M glorifies punishment noble in every other way. and the blood on the hands. descent. to the head. A sport If it was a sport without unfathomable Above all, we must have faith in the we all love. A sport scorecards and hooky logic, without fighters today, those who are being l ONE of the we all love? sickening insults, without mismatches checked more than ever by doctors, sport’s finest, We will unite, and bad taste pantomimes and those who will continue to box and to Mikey Garcia, no doubt. We have unscrupulous rankings and nonsensical take their chances, not because they talks to Boxing no choice but to titles, if it was a sport without criminals in have to, but because it’s their choice, News before stand and defend high places and money-hungry chancers because they love this more than his bout with ourselves because making a mockery of those who have anything else. Sergey Lipinets, the opposition, after spent their whole lives just trying earn But anyone who is faint of heart, any and we also Matt this latest fatality, an honest crust. If, ultimately, those who fan who does not believe that the sport look ahead to Christie will be fierce. gave their all, those brave fighters who is dangerous, any fighter who refuses Scott Quigg’s @MattCBoxingNews Another family strip themselves of everything, would see to accept the fate that befell Scott shot at WBO Editor in mourning, that effort reciprocated and rewarded. Westgarth could happen to them, must featherweight another tormented Because, otherwise, why should we consider their future. And that, perhaps, boss, Oscar opponent, another agonising, eternal forgive a sport that has just killed a is where Scott Westgarth’s death does Valdez. hangover. Another reason for the anti- 31-year-old man? serve a purpose. That is where we can boxing brigade to surround us and It is getting harder, admittedly, but we find some meaning, some reason. And l AVAILABLE attack. must, we absolutely must. that is to remind us all of the disasters to download But how do those in the middle, the We must unite. We must learn that this sport is capable of, and to via iTunes and advocators of boxing, the likes of you and improve. We must focus on the demand we all shape up and clean up Google Play and I, defend this sport that has taken positives that the sport brings to so our act. from March 6, another life? Seriously, ask yourself. Can many, the reasons that won’t make So, yes, unite and fight back against 2018, and the you put one hand on your heart and Scott Westgarth’s passing feel like such those strangers closing in. But take some print edition is truthfully say that boxing, that brutal a wretched waste. We cannot presume time, please, to look in the mirror and in stores on pursuit, that deathly endeavour, deserves that this is as good as it gets. No, we ask yourself why you are here. It has to March 8, 2018. to survive? can’t do that. Never forget what we feel be for the right reasons, to better the It would, perhaps, be easier to justify if now, but remember and discover what sport, to enrich its history, and ensure the sport was clean, besides the punches boxing is really about. For every Scott the likes of Scott Westgarth never, ever, and pain. If we could say, without a Westgarth, there are many more who die in vain. second thought, ‘Well, boxing is good have had their lives saved. Many more Yes, it was another life lost to a sport and honest and helps more people who were dealt an atrocious hand in that glorifies punishment to the head. A than it hurts.’ If we didn’t hear constant life, only to find real salvation in a prize sport we all love. whispers behind the scenes about drugs ring. Examine the facts, too. Death, while and crime and dishonesty. About fighters always possible, is exceptionally rare. Follow us and keep up to date not getting paid, about yesterday’s Focus on the old gyms and wise @BoxingNewsED BoxingNewsOnline

4 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net GUEST COLUMN

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME PERSPECTIVE Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ADAM HOLT

THE FIGHTER: The sport must learn lessons and come back stronger and safer

I have questioned myself this week but we must move forward and learn

’VE had a very most stringent and professional in possible, but you’re never going to people’s children to box. It would bad weekend the world and we’ll carry on being make it 100 per cent safe. That’s just be massively hypocritical, therefore, and a very bad that way. If lessons can be learned the nature of it. I do find it tough, for me to say people shouldn’t box. week. I was from these disasters, we will learn though. Of course I find it tough. Of course, if my children wanted I in Germany them. But at the present time it But this is what I do. If I decide to to box, I would make sure they when I found would seem, from speaking to say, ‘Right, I’ve had enough,’ that’s a are looked after properly and do out about Scott everyone there, that the procedure different thing altogether. it 100 percent and don’t play at it. Westgarth’s went okay. It was just a disastrous Admittedly, I’ve questioned You don’t play this game. But my injury. Now, result. myself a lot this week. I’ve done children don’t want to do it so it’s days later, what If there’s one thing we know it’s that after every incident like this. not something I have to deal with. can I say? I feel that an incident There have been I know people are looking for gutted. I feel like this affects three now (during reasons why this tragedy happened, sick. But we everybody. It THE my stewardship). I and they’re looking to knock have to move affects the people question whether boxing, but there needs to be some Robert W on. directly involved; it PROCEDURES I want to do this perspective. We are doing more and Smith We (the affects everybody WENT OKAY. anymore. But then more shows than ever before. And General British Boxing in boxing. It affects I think about how the more you do, the more chance Secretary, BBBoC Board of me; it affects my IT WAS JUST much I love the there is that something might go Control) are family. None of us A DISASTROUS sport – and I think I wrong. If there are more cars on currently in the process of receiving are going through can do a reasonable the road, for example, you will all the reports from all the officials: what Scott’s family RESULT job in the future. inevitably get more crashes. I think the doctors, the steward in charge, are going through But it’s getting you have to put that in perspective. etc. Those are coming in and, once at this present time, but it’s certainly tougher. It’s definitely getting However, that doesn’t make it right. they are in, this will be discussed at true to say everybody is affected tougher. These disasters happen yet Ultimately, I don’t think you’ll the next board meeting. If we need by this. I know there is a lot of we still manage to love the sport ever make boxing 100 percent safe. to have another meeting in regards in-fighting in boxing but when these and we still want to be part of it. We can only make it as safe as we to this, we will. But it’s just a matter things happen we do tend to rally I’d be the biggest hypocrite if I possibly can, and I think we do that of gathering all the reports first and round each other. said I wouldn’t allow my children in this country. We take it very, very making a proper judgement. It’s devastating for the family but to box. I boxed as an amateur and seriously. We do research, we do I believe we’re a responsible also devastating for the sport. We a professional, so I have a slightly scans, we do everything we can to organisation in this country. I think all know this is a tough, dangerous different perspective, and now I run make boxing as safe as possible. But people realise we are one of the sport. We try to make it as safe as an organisation that allows other incidents like this will still happen.

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 5 Fans, fighters ON TWITTER ON FACEBOOK @BoxingNewsED www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline OPINION and pundits all have their say

LETTER OF THE WEEK

TWEETS @STEFYBULL CONGRATULATIONS, ANDY Absolutely heartbroken tonight. Photo: ACTION IMAGES/LEE SMITH Thirty years in boxing BRAVO to Irish and it’s hit home Andy Lee for retiring at the right MR NICE GUY: how serious this time with a fine 35-3-1 record, a Lee is well thought so-called sport is. I WBO title, a broadcasting career, money of throughout feel physically sick. in the bank and a lovely family. He could the industry I’ve got everything well have gone on but felt he had just lost crossed that Scott that edge, and decided to hang up the Westgarth is ok. gloves. Pity many others would not follow If people actually realised what goes on his wise example. Boxing history is full of behind the scenes… fighters who quit too late, going on and brutal this game. on, tarnishing their reputation and risking A crestfallen STEFY their health. I reported on Andy’s fights BULL, promoter of from ringside and always found him to be Scott Westgarth’s one of boxing’s nice guys. final fight, feared the Thomas Myler, Dublin worst.

@LEONMCKENZIE1 PAY-PER-VIEW PROBLEMS Just heard news I AM so disappointed that the February about Scott 22 issue failed to even mention a massive Westgarth not doing scandal. Huge numbers of your readers good. This sport is were unable to view the - not a joke. My last Chris Eubank Jnr fight on ITV Box Office, fight I collapsed with despite having paid for it. ITV Box Office exhaustion in an epic failed its customers by not providing fight. It’s a thin line. adequate backup when its complicated I respect every man I wrote a letter to you which was not small) editorial team are racing to get the that steps in the ring. sales system broke down. Why was there published in the February 22 issue. If the magazine finished. I do hope ITV, those I’m sending nothing no telephone service available to help but love and prayers viewers get what they had paid for? Why editorial team will not publish the letter, solely responsible for the ‘scandal’, have to Scott and his is there no help offered to enable the at least allow the boxing public to express addressed the issue with you by now. family. thousands who did not get what they their outrage. LEON McKENZIE paid for to receive a refund? As the voice Max Winberg WHAT EUBANK NEEDS TO DO recently got out of of boxing, your magazine had a duty to BN responds: Hi Max. Sorry to hear WE learned much about Chris Eubank Jnr the sport but tasted expose this disgrace. you had problems while trying to watch in his defeat to George Groves. Firstly, he enough while he was I am sure that the Callum Smith-Nieky Groves-Eubank. Admittedly, at the time of needs a trainer. Secondly, without a KO involved to realise it was no game. Holzken event will be a massive financial going to press last week we had not read , he cannot rely on a belief that he failure for ITV Box Office, and not simply your letter nor realised that some viewers is a artist – he needs to become @REALCFRAMPTON because the main event is a mismatch. had experienced a problem. I’ve checked, a boxer. With his physical gifts, fitness, Heartbreaking to It’s because armchair fans once bitten and notice that you sent your original courage and determination as part of the hear the news that are twice shy. The promoters (Team letter (you were the only one to contact mix, he can yet succeed in becoming one. Scott Westgarth has Sauerland), in allowing such poor TV us about the problem) late on Monday Talk of retirement is wholly premature. passed away. It’s a facilities, will reap what they have sowed. afternoon, around the time the (very Gavin Littaur stark reminder of how dangerous this Photo: ACTION IMAGES sport is. WE ASKED... CARL FRAMPTON is still reminded of the sport’s dangers. WILL KELL BROOK WIN A WORLD TITLE @TONYBELLEW AT SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT AND WHY? All I feel is sadness SAM HAWORTH like Meldrick Taylor [after losing upon hearing the Yes. It seems like he’s going the to Julio Cesar Chavez]. I’m not news about Scott WBC route and he’s capable of comparing their styles or skills; Westgarth. I’m so outboxing [Jermell] Charlo. just saying he’s not the same as sorry for his family & he was. friends! I am forever STEVE WARD telling people how If he doesn’t win handily in his JONATHAN DAVIS dangerous this is. I next couple of fights, he might be Yes, because he’s an elite level hope people think in too damaged psychologically from fighter. He lost to the pound-for- future before typing nearly being permanently damaged pound number one after moving insults to fighters. LONG ROAD BACK: twice. up two weight divisions and he TONY BELLEW has Brook’s career probably would have nicked it often said his one hangs in the balance ahead of ERNIE CARRILLO against [Errol] Spence Jnr had the wish is to get home this weekend’s I think he is a different fighter other eye not gone. He will unify safely to family after comeback since going up against GGG – much the titles at 154. a fight.

6 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net ON INSTAGRAM EMAIL POST boxingnewsonline [email protected] Boxing News Letters, 120 Leman St, , E1 8EU

10 COUNT HEAD-2-HEAD THE PANEL GEORGE PRO CUBAN HEAVIES GROVES vs Rare is the Cuban boxer who CALLUM WHO IS THE BIGGEST PUNCHER IN THE excels as a pro at heavyweight SMITH 1. NINO VALDES Who wins the WBSS HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION? Valdes beat a number of top super-middleweight contenders, but was outscored by final and why? Archie Moore in 1955.

CHRIS ASHTON 2. LUIS ORTIZ The Smith of two Ortiz doesn’t boast the amateur years ago looked to pedigree of some of his countrymen be going places, but but is undefeated as a pro. in his last two or three fights he has 3. ODLANIER SOLIS looked a bit bland. A three-time world amateur champion You’d edge towards and 2004 Olympic gold medallist, Groves, but you just Andy Miles Michael Dave Solis turned pro, beat a number of never know. Lee Shinkwin Conlan Coldwell fringe types and was then stopped Ex-WBO Ex-British title Featherweight Leading inside a round by Vitali Klitschko and KEVIN 160lb titlist challenger prospect trainer twice lost to . CROSSINGGUM It’s a toss-up You can’t argue I think Wilder For me, it’s a Groves because of between Anthony with Deontay is the biggest close call: Haye 4. MIKE PEREZ his better , Joshua and Wilder’s KO puncher in the or Wilder. I think -based Mike Perez won a 2011 Prizefighter tournament at , head movement Deontay Wilder. record. Even heavyweight Haye’s power at and general ring IQ. heavyweight but recently lost a WBC Both are ferocious though the level division. His long heavyweight has Smith looks a bit cruiserweight title fight against one-paced at times punchers. It’s of opposition has limbs, mixed been different Maris Briedis. and doesn’t really the combination sometimes been with his explosive to his cruiser use his feet as much of speed and questionable, power, make days. Not sharp, 5. YANQUI DIAZ as he should. power that make they’ve still had to him a dangerous stinging power, You’d never guess the unorthodox them both so be put away. So, puncher. but more of the Diaz was Cuban, but he made his NIGEL DUNLOP destructive. based on statistics heavy-handed wild style work for him and, though Groves is just too only, I’d have to type. I think he often on the receiving end, took the unbeaten records of Juan Carlos good for Smith. say Wilder. is the heavier But Smith has a Gomez and . puncher but puncher’s chance because Groves can Wilder is the 6. JUAN CARLOS GOMEZ be caught and the sharper power- A quality cruiserweight who amassed question over the puncher. 10 defences of the WBC title, Gomez injured shoulder will was also a heavyweight from 2002 be there. to 2012. He lost a title fight against WOULD YOU LET YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER Vitali Klitschko in 2009. CHRIS JC SHELLEY Groves. Smith is BOX PROFESSIONALLY? 7. ELIECER CASTILLO untested and Groves Southpaw Castillo beat Lawrence has one of the best Clay-Bey, and went with in boxing. Andy Miles Michael Dave and DaVarryl Williamson. Erik Skoglund gave Lee Shinkwin Conlan Coldwell He was never stopped. Smith hell with his Ex-WBO Ex-British title Featherweight Leading jab and Groves has 160lb titlist challenger prospect trainer 8. JOSE RIBALTA experience and skill If a child shows As a father of I wouldn’t want I can’t imagine Famous for almost lasting 10 rounds as well. an interest and two girls, I pray my son or anything worse with in 1986, Ribalta a desire to box, I they never get daughter to box. than my kids tested manyother top names. JAMES MCINTOSH would certainly interested in The whole reason being punched in Smith is tough. He’s 9. JORGE LUIS GONZALEZ let them. But no boxing. If I have a I box is so they the face and hurt. tall and good at long Armed with an amateur record of range. He has good one should be son in the future, don’t have to. It’s Also, the lifestyle 220-13, Gonzalez secured a shot at defence and chin. pushed or forced I’d like to think he a tough sport and of a boxer, the Riddick Bowe’s WBO heavyweight But he has poor to box – it’s such wouldn’t pursue a very tough way loneliness when title in 1995, lost in six rounds, and movement compared a gruelling sport. it. I know the to earn a living. in camp, the not it went downhill from there. He’d to Groves. The Saint If they really want level you need Saying that, if they being able to go beaten Bowe, as well as Lennox will probably win a to do it, there is to attain to earn really wanted to out for a meal Lewis, in the amateurs. . no better way for any money. There compete, after with your friends, 10. PEDRO CARRION a young person are many easier knowing what the not being able All of 6ft 7ins, Carrion boxed only to learn discipline ways of making it really takes, it to plan holidays… eight times as a pro, winning six of and respect and money and I’ll be would be hard to it takes a lot of them, and was held to a draw by Frans gain self-esteem. sure they grow up stop them. sacrifice. I’d always Botha and beaten by Manuel Charr. knowing that. do what I can to put them off.

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 7 Highlighting the best of the week’s stories NEWS WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET

HARD-WORKING: Further disappointment Colourful character Andreetti combined would follow. He defeated pro boxing with his Phil Lundgren to lift the job at the fruit Central Area title, but lost market again to Cullen in ’67 and then to Des Rea in an inaugural British super- title fight in ’68. Three British title attempts; three defeats. But Andreetti refused to give up and, lo and behold, his fortunes changed in ’69 when he bested Rea over 15 rounds to finally become British champion. Impressively, Andreetti then made sure of it, stopping Rea inside four rounds in the pair’s rubber match later that year. There were three more fights, two of which happened overseas (in Denmark and Spain), before Andreetti decided to call it a day. His last fight, a 10th-round stoppage defeat to Pedro Carrasco, took place in December 1969. He retired with a professional record of 51-13-3 (19). After retirement, he became a mine host (landlord) with his wife, Brenda, at the Spread Eagle Pub in Kingsland Road, East London, situated just around the corner from Shoreditch Town Hall, a venue in which he often boxed. He’d also open his own ‘Ringside Hamburger Bar and Diner’, opposite the Spread in Kingsland Road, and go on to manage a number of fighters, including Colin Power and Dennis Andries, and help train Nigel Benn and Mark Kaylor. Eventually, Vic, Brenda and their son, Vince, emigrated to the USA and took up permanent residence in Florida. While there, he trained the local Police Boxing Team and worked at ’s famous 5th Street Gym alongside the Dundee Brothers, Chris and Angelo. Whenever he returned to , he was a welcome and popular member at London Ex-Boxers Association (LEBA) meetings and shared a special affinity VIC ANDREETTI, 1942-2018 with Dixie Dean, his former stablemate, someone he had known since they were Paying tribute FOLLOWING a long battle with cancer, Freddie King and Kenny Field. both nine years of age. Vic Andreetti, the former British super- With a record of 41-5-3, Andreetti’s “He was a great character, always to the former lightweight champion, sadly passed away road to a British lightweight title shot playing practical jokes on his mates, British on the morning of February 21. He was ranks among the longest and toughest of particularly his great pal Dixie Dean,” super- 76 years of age. any boxer from the last 50 years. To earn said LEBA President Stephen Powell. “He Born on January 29, 1942, Vic began his chance, he had beaten former world will be greatly missed by his family and lightweight his boxing life at the Lions Boys Club lightweight champ Joe friends, and mourned champion in Hoxton and won ABA titles in 1955, Brown, Empire titlist by many in the fight ’56 and ’57, and was a Junior Class A Joe Tetteh, world title game. champion in 1958. He boxed for three challengers Floyd “LEBA’s heartfelt different clubs – Shoreditch, Hackney Robertson and Rafiu condolences go to and Fitzroy Lodge – and then turned King, future British and his son, Vincent, who professional just after his 19th birthday in Empire welterweight has so many happy March 1961. king Johnny Cooke memories to draw As a pro, he split his time between and several Area comfort from at this sad loading crates of fruit at Spitalfields champions. But then, time.” Market and training with Danny Holland when it happened, he Vic Andreetti, a at the Thomas a’ Becket gym in the Old challenged Maurice much-loved character Kent Road. He was guided by his manager Cullen and found and a champion who Jim Wicks and was a stablemate of Henry himself outpointed embodied perseverance, and Jim Cooper, Dixie Dean, Percy Lewis, over 15 rounds. won’t ever be forgotten.

8 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 xingnewsonline.net NEWS

CHAMPIONS! PREPARE Boxing News honoured tribute issue of the magazine also at British Sports received the award for best Special PREPARE Sports Edition 2016. TO Journalism Awards “It was a stunning result,” Matt said, “when you consider the might and resources of those we were up TO BOXING NEWS was a winner at against, and a real honour to get the highly prestigious British Sports some recognition, from the highest Journalism Awards in Westminster possible place, for the tireless and on Monday (February 26). The 100 excellent work we put in.” Greatest British Boxers supplement Matt also received another FIGHT won the prize for best Special personal accolade. He was Highly Sports Edition 2017. Commended in the Specialist FIGHT Boxing News Sports Correspondent came through from category alongside a strong shortlist, Vikki Orvice from including entries from the Sun. The award, national newspapers which also featured the Daily Mirror, the nominees from Independent, the Sun the Daily Mail, the and the Telegraph, Daily Mirror and the as well as Rugby Telegraph, was won World magazine. The by the Guardian and judges at the Sports Observer’s Sean Ingle. Journalists’ Association It was a good said: “The winning night for boxing in entry was one all other categories. BBC about research, knowledge and Radio 5 Live won Radio Sport Live soul-searching [in] what the judges Broadcast for their coverage of called the ‘ultimate independent Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko, assessment.’” photographer Lawrence Lustig was Receiving the award, in his Highly Commended in Specialist acceptance speech Editor Matt Sports Portfolio, and the Guardian Christie paid tribute to the memory and Observer’s Donald McRae was of boxer Scott Westgarth, who Sports Feature Writer of the Year. passed away the previous day. To buy our award-winning Boxing News, in fact, defended 100 Greatest British Boxers the title it won in the same category special edition, visit: bit. last year, when the ly/100GreatestBritishBoxers

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www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 9 Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ED SYKES

DARKNESS FOLLOWS: Brook admits he hit ‘rock bottom’ last year when he lost his world championship

10 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net PREPARING

FORKell Brook would not have beenTHE blamed for retiring after END two consecutive head- crunching losses that turned his life upside down. He thought about quitting as he hit ‘rock bottom’ but, as he explains to Declan Taylor, he couldn’t quite bring himself to say goodbye. Not yet, at least…

OR THE second time in champion’ was obvious. eight months Kell Brook lay “I noticed that all the hangers-on had gone,” he unconscious on an operating continues. “All these people who used to phone and table. text me – nobody was anymore. People would usually With his patient’s jaw call me saying ‘I’ve got this for you, I’ve got that for F jacked open, the surgeon you’. But you see a completely different spin once you unceremoniously scooped the lose. It’s like you’re only as good as your last sell-by beaten champion’s eye ball out date. of its cavity and went in through his mouth in order to “I’m not the champion anymore and I could really go to work on the socket. tell. Everyone pats you on the back when you’re Just like last time, after had done winning but when you’re losing nobody wants to the damage in September 2016, the delicate bone know. It’s just human nature, it’s how this boxing around one of Brook’s eyes was in need of a titanium game works – it’s kill or be killed. I know that now.” plate held in by screws to save his sight let alone Having been stopped by Golovkin in the fifth round career. of their London clash eight months earlier, losing This time the responsibility lay with to Spence meant it was back-to-back defeats Errol Spence Jnr, the brilliant American ★KELL★ for the previously undefeated fighter. southpaw, who had relieved Brook of BROOK But it was the circumstances of the his IBF welterweight belt and inflicted 11th round stoppage against Spence, ‘my another serious injury on the Sheffield BIG FEATURE mandatory’, on the pitch at the home of favourite. his beloved Sheffield United which made But although such serious anatomical it almost impossible to stomach. damage required Brook to be rushed from Brook adds: “This one felt like my Bramall Lane to the nearest hospital, the first defeat. We all knew the score with the physical pain was dwarfed by the emotional turmoil Golovkin fight, it wasn’t a normal fight. He was the that manifested in the weeks and months post-op. man at middleweight, nobody would fight him and “It’s like my world came crashing down when I I jumped up two divisions to fight him. We believed lost that world title,” Brook tells Boxing News. “I just we could win but, you know... remember being in the hospital, rushed there from “Whereas losing to Spence, my mandatory at the ground because of my eye, I was just thinking my welterweight, it done me. It absolutely done me. That life had ended. Until you’re a world champion and all was my first real defeat and I’ve been in a dark place you’ve ever lived for is boxing, you can’t really get your basically ever since. head into it. “It’s a dark place because boxing is my life and I’ve “That sort of depression, it wasn’t that bad the week only ever been used to winning. When you’re on the after, it was still fresh then. I think it was only months other end of losing – and losing a world title don’t afterwards when it started hitting home. And it hit forget – I’m now known as a former world champion. hard.” That’s something I’m not used to being. Almost instantly, Brook’s new status as ‘former “I’ve had to come through all that, those really ➤

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 11 Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

➤ dark places and not having any respect for myself “But I just know there is so much left to give. It’s as a human. I was just letting myself go off the boil. It hard to get into why but I just know the full 100 per AGONY: was a dark place, I was going out and just... it was not cent has not come out yet. I haven’t got many fights Brook clutches good. left so I’m not going to cut any corners, I’m really his injured “I’m just so happy I had my family round me, they going to give it my all. When it’s over I don’t want to face while Spence, his were strong and got me through it. It was very tough, have excuses. I want to be able to know I have put conqueror, very tough for me. I really hit rock bottom. everything into this career.” tries on the “People don’t see that side of the sport. They just For now that means stepping up to the 154lb super- IBF belt for see the press conference, the fight and not much welterweight limit, a move many feel long overdue for the first time more. But living every day in my shoes after what a man who fought so hard just to make 10st 7lb. happened against Spence was very tough to get He was also rejuvenated by watching Ingle Gym through. new boy Billy Joe Saunders produce one of the best “When I’m an old man I might look back and performances of 2017 when he delivered a 12-round remember it as a great night and a great event. But boxing lesson to home favourite David Lemieux in for me it’s still hard because I lost my world title suburban just before Christmas. in front of my own people. I had to have another “I’m back in business and excited again,” Brook says, operation on my eye, getting put to sleep to have finally raising a smile. The Yorkshireman is in Sheffield surgery. town hall to formally announce his return to the ring “I’m just a normal kid and it was hard to digest.” after eight stormy months. So hard, in fact, that the 31-year-old “Special One” “You never stop learning and with Billy Joe Saunders had emphatically decided that he would not be adding and Jason Quigley coming in there’s a new look in the to his 36-2 (25) record. gym and it’s exciting for everyone in the gym. We are “In my head I was retired,” he says matter-of-factly. all bouncing and we want to show how fit we are and “I was even ready to announce it. It was that close. what moves we’ve got. I had made the decision to myself. I wanted to call it a “And there are no excuses at the new weight. I’ll day just because of how low I was, how low the sport be healthy and in top condition for my fights and not had made me. I had no motivation to go on. having the 10lb IBF check weight is going to be a big “I was even thinking ‘right what am I going to do factor too. with my life now?’ “At the end of the day, I’m just a kid from Shirecliffe Obviously boxing is my life so I was thinking ‘what who became world champion and put fantastic shows else can I do?’ I thought about getting into property on for the Sheffield people. I’ve done well for myself or maybe opening a gym to get my boxing fix considering where I’ve come from. through other fighters. I didn’t know but I was “I’ve been through the mill but I’m back now that serious about retiring that I was already and I want to prove I’m nowhere near finished planning. yet.” IN MY HEAD I WAS RETIRED, I WAS EVEN READY TO ANNOUNCE IT. IT WAS THAT CLOSE”

12 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net Life in his new division begins on March 3, four miles stumbling block. Although he fought Saul ‘Canelo’ north east of Bramall Lane at the , Alvarez at a 155lb catchweight, Khan’s two world titles against the more than capable Sergey Rabchenko. were won at super-lightweight and it has always been Brook hopes the clash will get the ball rolling on an suggested that any fight with Brook could not take place exciting and money-spinning finale to his career. anywhere above 10st 7. The Sheffield man disagrees. Of course, as ever, is the target and the Brook says: “It will be hard for him to ever make fight seemed to move a step closer when the welter again, trust me. When we finally do meet then man signed promotional terms with , we can start talking about weight but I’m telling you it’s Brook’s long-time promoter, earlier this year. negotiable what weight we do it at. “There were a little bit of mixed emotions,” says “I want to be very active so that will help me stay near Brook of Hearn’s decision to sign his verbal sparring the weight – 147 is possible. If there’s no belt then it partner.“I remember thinking ‘Eddie, I thought I doesn’t really matter anyway – for a fight of that was supposed to be your man!’ magnitude we can come to an agreement. But I put that to one side and realised it’s a “His ego is huge, it’s bigger than mine and very clever move, a business I’m reasonable. If he wants move. Eddie is good and if certain things, he can have it can’t happen now then it them. But at the same time will never happen. I’d agree WHEN KHAN SIGNED he can’t take the p**s. it now feels more possible “When it comes to money than it has for a long time WITH MATCHROOM he can’t take the p**s but just because he’s now with I THOUGHT, ‘EDDIE, walking out second, all that Matchroom. He has said that sort of stuff, he can have if it it will happen so that makes I WAS SUPPOSED TO helps make the fight. I want me think ‘yep, it will’.” this fight to happen so I will Khan is scheduled to fight BE YOUR MAN!” do whatever it takes. But for the first time in nearly two Eddie is not going to want to years when he takes on Phil push it on him yet, he’s only Lo Greco in Liverpool on April 21. Should he and Brook just signed him. He won’t be pressuring him so quickly, both be victorious, they are expected to box again in the he will let us both fight and then build it from there. summer before the long-awaited all-British showdown He has to promote him, he’s a businessman and he is before the close of 2018. looking out for Amir’s best interests as well as mine.” ONE LAST “Rabchenko in March, a summer fight – July or August With titanium plates now supporting both eye RUN: Brook is ready – and,” he stops and claps his hands. “The big one. That sockets, many felt that walking away would have been to test himself would be December. This is a young man’s game and in Brook’s best interests. again but I’m still young. But I’m giving myself a year – with three But, before striding back out into Sheffield’s winter admits fights, four max. And I want one of them to be against sun, he adds: “I’m like Terminator now. I’ve been retirement isn’t far away Amir Khan.” through it all and come out the other side and I can Photos: But while their mutual allegiance with Matchroom see the finish line. ACTION IMAGES/ may somewhat clear the path for the fight to be made, “I thought I had come to the end but I’ve still got ED SYKES Brook’s move up in weight could represent yet another work to do.” bn

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 13 Previewing the best upcoming fights PREVIEWS around the world ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING ★★★★ GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ DISAPPOINTING ★ RUBBISH

The star ratings indicate how well the writer believes the fighters match up, the fight(s)’ contextual significance, and how good the fight(s) will be

Following surgery, next up for the . This 12-rounder will take Following ★★★ MAIN EVENT Yorkshireman was a return to 147lbs place at super-welter – a division which ★★★★ two defeats UNDERCARD in May, where he put his IBF crown on should suit Kell, considering he was a big and two the line in his hometown against the welterweight who found making 147lbs N his last two sublimely gifted Errol Spence Jnr. This an extremely strenuous process. operations, fights, Kell Brook riveting stadium scrap was nip and tuck Unlike the sturdy 5ft 9in Brook, has fought two of until the later sessions, when another Rabchenko has never boiled his Brook is the best and most fractured eye socket – this time on his left 5ft 10in frame down to welterweight. back, writes I punishing boxers in side – saw Brook KO’d in 11. The man has campaigned the business – and A further operation followed for the predominantly at 154lbs throughout his Paul he’s got the scars to now-former world titlist, who seriously career, with a spattering of appearances Wheeler prove it. In September 2016, Sheffield’s contemplated retirement after suffering at middleweight. The well-travelled then-IBF welterweight champion such major back-to-back injuries. In the 32-year-old has competed in nine courageously stepped up two weight end, the lure of the ring was too strong. different countries as a pro, including divisions to challenge middleweight This Saturday (March 3), Brook returns seven times in the UK. In fact, his two monster Gennady Golovkin for a pair of on a Matchroom show at Sheffield Arena, most notable victories took place on world titles. A fractured right eye socket live on Action/Main Event. In British soil (both in ), within resulted in a fifth-round stoppage defeat the opposing corner will be Belarusian the space of five months. for heavy underdog Brook, but it was battler Sergey Rabchenko – a past In June 2012, Rabchenko stopped certainly no disgrace, as he was ahead on sparring partner of Brook who used ex-two-time world title challenger the scorecards at the time. to be trained by British boxing legend – a former gym-mate of

YORKSHIREPhoto: ACTION IMAGES/ED SYKES GRIT

VICTORY IS ESSENTIAL: Brook needs to get back in the win column TALKING POINT IN preparation for Rabchenko, Brook has been sparring Irish middleweight Jason Quigley, who linked up with Kell’s trainer, Dominic Ingle, in December.

14 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

CLEAN CONNECTION: Rabchenko cracks Vitu with a right hand during their November 2012 bout

Brook – in seven rounds. The win saw Like Kell, Rabchenko digs well to as ’s McDonnell, 18-1-2 (5), EXPERT VIEW Sergey collect vacant European super- the midsection. The visitor stalks his represents Gamal’s toughest test to date. welterweight honours. A successful first opponents persistently, attempting to Gavin – who will enjoy a considerable RYAN defence of the EBU strap came next, as grind away at their defence and snap height advantage on the night – RHODES the Eastern European triumphed via split their resistance. However, his at-times possesses an impressive engine which STOPPED BY decision against Cedric Vitu, who would one-dimensional approach can make allows him to apply constant pressure. RABCHENKO go on to claim the title just over two- him easy to hit. Against a spiteful The gritty 31-year-old flings out a long IN 2012 and-a-half years later. puncher like Brook, this will prove his jab, backed up by precise body blows Worryingly for the 29-2 (22) downfall. Expect the local hero to break and intelligent head movement. I CAN see it Rabchenko, his two world level forays so Rabchenko down late on. Yafai, 26, boxed at a high level as an being cagey early on, as Kell far have proved unfruitful. In November The undercard features a fascinating amateur, where he gained a reputation as will probably 2014, veteran pipped 12-round super- a hurtful hitter. Composed when hunting be wary of his him to a split verdict, while in July 2016, matchup between unbeaten former down his rivals, he puts together cruel left eye after he was halted in nine by the rangy Commonwealth champ combinations, often punctuated by a the problem he Tony Harrison. Sergey has fought twice and Gavin McDonnell, who has reigned booming right. He will have his hands had with it in since the Harrison setback – both early as British and European king in the past, full with McDonnell, but his eye-catching his last fight. victories in low-key six-rounders. In total, as well as challenging for the WBC title. strikes can see him earn the decision. However, despite he has had less than five minutes of ring ’s Yafai, 14-0 (7), is a In their clash for the vacant being strong time in the past 19 months. substantial betting favourite, but don’t Commonwealth heavyweight belt nine and game, Before losing to unbeaten duo be fooled into thinking the result is a months ago, 32-year-old Florida-based Rabchenko is there to be hit, Golovkin and Spence, Brook had won foregone conclusion. Far from it in fact, Jamaican Lenroy Thomas, 22-4 (10), so once Kell 36 bouts in a row (25 inside time). His looked a tad fortunate to outscore has got into his standout success came in August 2014 Conisbrough’s Dave Allen, 12-3-1 (9), rhythm after a versus the previously undefeated Shawn TALE OF THE TAPE via split verdict. Thomas was certainly the few rounds, Porter. Fighting in the American’s home better technical boxer, but Allen’s higher I think he’ll country, Kell came away with a majority KELL BROOK SERGEY RABCHENKO work rate and crude yet effective style start landing decision, as well as the IBF welter belt. @SpecialKBrook @SergeyRabchenko deserved more recognition on the cards. at will. Having Strong, powerful and a good judge May 3, 1986/31 DOB/AGE Feb 23, 1986/32 The 25-year-old challenger can get his moved up to super-welter, of distance and timing, Brook boasts Sheffield HOMETOWN Minsk revenge by capturing the Commonwealth Kell won’t have a brilliant jab which is fast, hard and English NATIONALITY Belarusian crown. Once again, southpaw Thomas’ 5ft 9ins HEIGHT 5ft 10ins had to kill accurate. A versatile fighter who can work will be more fluent, but the himself to make operate from either stance, the 31-year- 36-2 (25) RECORD 29-2 (22) forward-marching Allen’s clubbing hooks Orthodox weight this old is comfortable attacking on the front can lead him to a points victory. Sep 17, 2004/18 DEBUT/AGE Sep 28, 2006/20 time. I think foot or boxing on the counter. Straight 66 KO PERCENTAGE 71 he’ll win via late shots to the body and stiff one-twos 12 FIGHTS IN SHEFFIELD 1 THE VERDICT The final stage of stoppage or on upstairs are just some of the weapons WWWLL LAST FIVE FIGHTS WWLWW Brook’s career begins with a points. Brook has at his disposal. must-win fight.

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Photos: ESTHER LIN/SHOWTIME & ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

PEAK CONDITION: Expect Wilder to be in the shape of his life - he has been waiting for a contest like this for a long time

16 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net IN HURTFUL COMPANY

Wilder faces ★★★ MAIN EVENT and smashing power in his right , a continuation of his overhyped build- Wilder has been at a loss as to why his up from Olympic prospect to American ★★★ his acid test UNDERCARD profile has not transcended the narrow hopeful. in fellow media confines of the fight game or the To boost his popularity, Wilder has HREE years after catchpenny mediums of Twitter, YouTube taken to raising a ruckus outside of unbeaten winning a splinter and TMZ. In some ways, and in spite of the ring, a path as predictable as it is of the fragmented his success, Wilder, 39-0 (38), has been de rigueur. Over the last two years, puncher world heavyweight jinxed – stymied by injuries, the lack Wilder starred in a public melee with Ortiz, writes T title, Deontay of a promoter, and, most of all, by the Dominic Breazeale, has blamed his lack Wilder – the bigger- topsy-turvy nature of his of crossover appeal on Carlos than-life “Bronze profession. racism, audaciously Bomber” who left behind a job at Red Even for boxing, which A GIFT FOR claimed that he would Acevedo Lobster to pursue improbable dreams requires a perpetual have beaten Mike Tyson ¬– finally gets a chance to legitimise his suspension of disbelief, BALDERDASH another lifetime ago, spurious reign when he faces undefeated what has happened to and has bragged about Cuban power-puncher Luis “King Wilder over the last two AND eventually reaching the Kong” Ortiz. These two thumpers, years is astonishing. No SMASHING mythological milestone with a combined record of 67-0 with less than three of his of 50-0. If we have 62 inside-schedule wins, square off for scheduled opponents POWER IN HIS learned anything in the Wilder’s WBC title on Saturday (March 3) have tested positive for still-nascent social media at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New PEDs: Alexander Povetkin, RIGHT CROSS age, it is this: controversy, York. Sky Sports Action/Main Event (UK) Andrzej Wawrzyk, crowing and crassness and Showtime (US) televise. and, yes, Luis Ortiz himself. To be sure, are quick routes to the sort of ersatz Ever since capturing his title in Wawrzyk may have been just another fame so common in the digital public 2015, Wilder, 32, has been potential in a series of second-raters Wilder has square. This is doubly true in boxing, personified. Hints of star quality – as rare faced in his career, but Povetkin and Ortiz where what happens in the ring is often a commodity in America as civil political were both severe threats. They were also overshadowed by cult of personality discourse – trails him wherever he goes. fighters who would have given long- considerations. Judging from his recent A brash physical marvel with a snazzy sought credibility to Wilder, whose title actions, Wilder is looking to play the anti- fashion sense, a gift for balderdash, reign thus far has been little more than hero in exchange for more celebrity heat. One reason Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, may have failed to capture the imagination of the sporting public may SLIGHT UNDERDOG: have to do with his rickety competition. But Ortiz is Because so many have determined to win the WBC title been trading in protein shakes for pharmaceuticals, Wilder has been forced to defend his title against a slew of late substitutes. Artur Szpilka, Chris Arreola, Gerald Washington and Bermane Stiverne all entered the ring against Wilder under less than ideal conditions. Even taking into consideration the level of his competition, however, Wilder has a record that suggests airing a disclaimer prior to his fights, say, “Viewer Discretion Advised”. Szpilka was carried out of the ring on a stretcher, bloodied Arreola and Johann Duhaupas both looked like something from The Hammer House of Horrors, Washington drunkenly reeled around the ring after being stopped, and what happened to Stiverne in less than a round might have forced even hardened ringside observers to flinch. ➤

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Photo: ESTHER LIN/SHOWTIME

➤ Still, despite having had several violent hurtful company on Saturday night. test, this time for diuretics. But Ortiz READY TO IMPRESS: title defences broadcast on national For years an amateur stalwart on the avoided another suspension when the A win for Wilder will television, Wilder has not achieved the Cuban national team, Ortiz has the kind WBC accepted his appeal (the positive erase some doubts fanfare he believes is his due. of pedigree few contemporary American samples were due to medication for high- that critics have While the heavyweight champion is a heavyweights can claim. Even when he blood pressure, a revelation troubling in diminished concept in America, across is uninspired (as in his dreary points win its own right) and reinstated him in its the Atlantic Anthony Joshua, possessor over Malik Scott, a man who could not rankings. of the IBF and WBA titles, is a genuine escape the first round against Wilder), With his career stalled by suspensions national phenomenon, a man whose Ortiz flashes a skillset that distinguishes and cancellations, Ortiz has not only fame surpasses the wreckage he leaves him from most of his peers. But, like lost momentum but now has an air behind in the ring. Although Joshua has Wilder, his career has also been hexed. of having used up his already limited faced his share of set-ups, he has also No sooner did Ortiz score a dramatic future. At 38 years old, trailing nearly faced Wladimir Klitschko – the epitome first-round wipeout of then-undefeated 400 amateur fights behind him, and with of textbook competence – and a pair of Lateef Kayode in 2014 than he failed his a documented medical history, Ortiz then-unbeaten prospects ( post-fight drug test. His win over Kayode may already be past his peak. He has and Breazeale, whom Wilder was content was downgraded to a No Contest and also showed signs of inconsistency. His to sucker punch in a hotel lobby). By Ortiz was suspended by the WBA. slog against fragile Scott was a painful battling to a thrilling stoppage victory Ortiz rebounded by scoring a brutal reminder that while heavyweights can over Klitschko, the most recognised one-punch stoppage of contender Bryant short-circuit each other with a single heavyweight in the world, Joshua Jennings a year later and his immediate jolt, they can also give the word micro- immediately skyrocketed to the top of the future seemed set. Then came his aggression a whole new meaning division. To further strain the comparison curious decision to sign a fight-by-fight altogether. If Ortiz is to become the first to Wilder, Joshua is now scheduled to promotional contract with Eddie Hearn. heavyweight champion of Cuban descent tackle WBO title-holder in a Under the Matchroom banner, Ortiz in history – and if he is to improve upon partial unification bout on March 31. found himself toiling on undercards the dreadful results of his predecessors A noteworthy ‘W’ is what Wilder lacks, in Monte Carlo and Manchester (in an Odlanier Solis, Juan Carlos Gomez and which is why in this, his seventh title eight-rounder, no less), and no closer Jorge Luis Gonzalez – then he will have defence, he finds himself in the unique to a headline fight than he was while to be the focused pro who showed his position of being a champion with as serving out his suspension for PED use. mettle and versatility against Jennings. much to prove as a fledgling contender. After breaking with Hearn, Ortiz signed As a battle between two of the top Ortiz, 28-0 (24) 2NC, has his share of with Al Haymon, mastermind of Premier big men in the world, Wilder-Ortiz flaws – among them limited mobility, Boxing Champions, and immediately has all the makings of a heavyweight poor recent form and aging legs – but targeted Wilder. Unfortunately, their apocalypse, one with no clear favourite. make no mistake about it: Wilder will be, fight, originally set for November 4, was Wilder is younger, faster, and has the as Hugh McIlvanney might have put it, in cancelled when Ortiz failed another drug edge in foot speed. Ortiz is a southpaw,

18 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net a solid counter-puncher, and, with Wilder off-balance. By the fourth or years of experience in one of the most fifth round, Wilder will shift into a more TALE OF THE TAPE renowned amateur programs in the offensive mode, zeroing in with rights, DEONTAY WILDER LUIS ORTIZ world, technically superior. Both men and Ortiz will finally have the opportunity @BronzeBomber @kingkongboxing have bone-chilling power. to put his counter-punching skills to use. Oct 22, 1985/32 DOB/AGE Mar 29, 1979/38 It is difficult to say how such a Although Ortiz likes to stalk or work in Tuscaloosa, AL HOMETOWN Miami, FL fight, with so many variables, will play close, he is also an effective counter- American NATIONALITY Cuban out. Wilder, hyperaware of just how puncher from the outside. This added 6ft 7ins HEIGHT 6ft 4ins dangerous Ortiz is, will likely start slowly, dimension, combined with concussive 83ins REACH 84ins boxing from the outside and using angles KO power, makes Ortiz a threat at every 39-0 (38) RECORD 28-0 (24) 2NC to keep Ortiz from getting set. In his moment. That threat, a product of Orthodox STANCE Southpaw Nov 15, 2008/23 Feb 16, 2010/30 title-winning performance years of brutal refinement at La DEBUT/AGE 97 KO PERCENTAGE 80 against Stiverne, Wilder Finca in , may well 7 WORLD TITLE FIGHTS 0 showed that he can TALKING be the difference here. maximise his height and POINT There may not be much reach, even if he looks A CONTEST like this should get of a future left for Uzcategui with two solid blows, sparking clumsy at times doing more than three stars, frankly. him, but Ortiz might a mini-riot. Lawson, incredibly, went on so, and work from a However, while Wilder at last getting wrest the present via the lam before finally turning himself in distance, where his a worthwhile challenger is welcome, 10th-round stoppage. to the authorities. spearing jab sets up his Ortiz being repeatedly caught One of the strangest Two-time world 168lb title challenger lethal right. Of course, with illegal substances in his rematches in recent Dirrell, 26-2 (16), has been a part-time purists are unlikely to system, and then merely history takes place when athlete for years, and his skills have suffered forgiven, is not. view Wilder as the ideal Andre Dirrell and Jose for it. But the southpaw is well-versed in representative of the sweet Uzcategui pair off again over the art of spoiling. If the flaw in his chin has science. But Wilder has jump-cut 12. In their first meeting in May, turned into a full-fledged crack, however, speed and reflexes compared to most Uzcategui, of Tijuana via Venezuela, was he may find himself flopping on the heavyweights, a wingspan that makes it disqualified after landing the last punch canvas once again. Uzcategui, 26-2 (22), is difficult for opponents to gauge distance of a combination a millisecond after unpolished but seems to have enough zeal accurately, and a genuine killer instinct. the bell rang to end round eight. It was to stop Dirrell late. If Ortiz works behind his jab, moves a blow that dropped Flint, Michigan’s Jermall Charlo was due to face Hugo counterclockwise, away from the danger Dirrell flat on his face. After the referee Centeno Jnr but that has now been zone, throws his left judiciously, and rendered his questionable decision in postponed until April 21. bn attacks the body whenever he finds favour of a groggy Dirrell, Leon Lawson himself in the trenches, he has a good – the uncle/trainer of Dirrell, entered THE VERDICT It ’s time to find out chance of scoring points and keeping the ring and cracked an unsuspecting whether Wilder is the real deal. Photo: TOM HOGAN/HOGAN PHOTOS/GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

WELL EDUCATED: Will Ortiz’s well- schooled style be the deciding factor?

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 19 PREVIEWS THE BULLY REBORN Photo: STACEY VERBEEK

READY FOR RELAUNCH: Kovalev is dusting off his fists following the most difficult spell of his career

Kovalev’s spirit was hounded and broken, against a certain type of opposition, and If Kovalev’s ★★ MAIN EVENT leading some to question if “Krusher” even at 34 years old, will be very hard ★★★★ confidence UNDERCARD would, or even could, truly recover. to beat. has returned Because bullies, once bullied so publicly, Which makes it a stretch to imagine ERGEY KOVALEV find it hard to truly bully again. anything other than a shellacking awaits it’s bad news was once considered But then Ward, frustrated with the , a Russian living in for his rivals, the most fearsome business, the lack of recognition Germany, when he challenges the active fighter in and lucrative opportunities, WBO 175lb champion, a writes S boxing as he mowed washed his hands with TALKING Russian living in America, down all who dared the sport. And, in turn, POINT at New York’s Madison Matt to stand in front of that retirement helped Square Garden on THE 175lb is full Christie him. As he snapped ribs, bloodied faces ease Kovalev’s anguish. of talent, and begging for the best Saturday (March 3). and buckled senses, Sergey’s reputation With his tormenter fighters to fight the best. Hopefully The 32-year- soared. Then the destroyer met his match out of the way, the ’s showdown with old southpaw was against ’s highly-educated torment eased, or was in May will trigger originally in talks to warcraft, which is smart and fluid and pushed to the back of similar tests for other titlists take on made of stern stuff, not once but twice, in the mind at least, and Kovalev, Bivol and Artur in an elimination bout what some would say were controversial the slugger – content he Beterbiev. until this Main Event- circumstances. Questionable scorecards was again the king of the promoted bout presented and low-blows were blamed for Kovalev’s castle and every other active itself. Not quite nondescript but failures, yet neither contest would light-heavyweight merely a dirty not exactly deserving, Mikhalkin is on convince anyone that the Russian could rascal – looked pretty much back to his a 10-fight unbeaten streak, albeit one win should they meet for a third time. old self when he thrashed Vyacheslav spread thinly over eight years and lacking No, the defeats were ultimately rather Shabranskyy in two rounds four months top class opposition. His desire to at least damning, particularly the sequel where ago. It’s certainly true that Kovalev, take on Kovalev, however, is more desire

20 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net rehydrate Kovalev’s confidence further heavyweight showdown is on the TALE OF THE TAPE ahead of more challenging affairs. But undercard, as WBA champion Dmitry this, Mikhalkin morphing into something Bivol, who has been hurling leather since SERGEY KOVALEV IGOR MIKHALKIN @KrusherKovalev n/a of a revelation withstanding, isn’t likely to he was six years old, defends against the Apr 2, 1983/34 DOB/AGE May 31, 1985/32 remind of us of Kovalev’s deficiencies. slippery but spiteful Cuban, Sullivan Los Angeles, CA HOMETOWN Unknown to the masses and unlikely Barrera. Bivol - born in , Russian NATIONALITY Russian to bring enough presence to steal much based in , and of Moldovan and 6ft HEIGHT 6ft 1in attention away from the Deontay Wilder- Korean descent – is 12-0 (10), 27 years 72 1/2ins REACH 73ins Luis Ortiz heavyweight showdown taking old and, with very heavy hands, is 31-2-1 (27) RECORD 21-1 (9) place down the road and over the bridge building his case to join the thunderous Orthodox STANCE Southpaw in Brooklyn on the same night, Mikhalkin and exciting leaders atop the division. Jul 25, 2009/26 Nov 30, 2007/22 DEBUT/AGE – all tall and awkward and high-guarded To do so, though, he’ll need to get past 79 KO PERCENTAGE 41 1/28 ODDS 9/1 – looks made to order for the favourite. Barrera. Ageing (35) he might be, but he The champion, against such traditionally showed enough while being outscored skilled opponents, has little trouble by the aforementioned Ward in 2016 to manoeuvring his bombs into position show how hard he is to beat. Since then than plenty of other light-heavyweights for maximum impact and, as even Ward he’s knocked out Shabranskyy in seven, have shown in recent years and, back will tell you, when they land, they’re halted an overmatched Paul Parker in in their amateur days, Mikhalkin trained exceptionally difficult to withstand. five, recovered from an early knockdown alongside his countryman, but they never And Kovalev’s history with southpaws? to decision Joe Smith Jnr over 10 and, sparred. At the top level , Cedric in November, again get off the floor to A former European champion, Agnew and Blake Caparello were all outscore the decent whose Igor removed the troubled Thomas finished inside seven rounds. only previous loss came to Bivol (pts 12) Oosthuizen’s ‘0’ with a disciplined display Expect a similar result here. The the year before. to notch the most noteworthy win of his champion will test out the challenger’s It’s easy to see why people are career over 12 rounds last year. Going chin early, and to someone as skilled as predicting a win for Barrera. He’s the distance, and impressing the judges Kovalev it won’t be hard to reach. There encountered the better opposition and, along the way, has become something of might be some untidy moments, perhaps crucially, recovered from adversity to win. a habit for Mikhalkin (only nine of his 21 a head clash or two will pause the action His ability to change his approach mid- wins came inside schedule) though he here and there, but Kovalev, not remotely fight means Bivol, unless he steamrolls did lose one decision, way back in 2010 concerned he might lose, should force him, will have to adapt too. But the BN to Aleksy Kuziemski, in his sole career a stoppage at some point before the pick is for Bivol to survive some taxing reverse. halfway mark. times, and get the statement win, via But if that number doesn’t double It will take more than victory here 12-round decision. here, it will be a massive surprise. It’s a to convince anyone he’s the savage of curious bout for sure, and only more yesterday, but without question, he’ll THE VERDICT Profile-builder before marking time than wasting it because have our attention again. the winners of the two main bouts the fight will, even if it’s a dire mismatch, A much more intriguing light- meet later in the year.

BELTED: Mikhalkin’s record in EBU title fights reads 3-0 (1)

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 21 PREVIEWS

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/JASON CAIRNDUFF

22 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net INTO THE DARKNESS: Taylor will venture into the unknown when he takes on Campos [below, right] LAST-MINUTE SUBSTITUTE

For the ★★★ MAIN EVENT moreover, was someone two years younger than Taylor and someone who ★★★ second week UNDERCARD boasts, on paper, a decent professional record – 30-3-5 (18). in a row, a IFTED “It came as a bit of a shock, but these big fight is super-lightweight things happen in boxing,” said Taylor. Josh Taylor had “I wish Humberto Soto all the best in affected by hoped to face former his recovery, but now I’m 100 per cent a late G two-weight world focused on defending my [WBC Silver champion Humberto super-lightweight] title against Winston pull-out. Soto, a 78-fight Campos. veteran from Mexico, this Saturday “Although Campos represents a But, as (March 3) in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, but different challenge, being a rangy Elliot will instead go up against Winston southpaw, I’m very confident that I can Campos, a 25-year-old southpaw from put on a career-best performance.” Worsell Nicaragua of whom little is known. Unlike the 37-year-old Soto, Campos explains, Soto, cut in one of his final sparring is still on his way up, still learning, and sessions, was officially removed from the has yet to contest any kind of fringe title Josh Taylor event on Saturday (February 24), leaving (WBA Fedecaribe super-lightweight title Taylor and his team with only a few aside), let alone a world title. He turned is still worth days to seek out professional back watching and announce a in 2010, before replacement. It was TALE OF THE TAPE he’d even reached a relief, therefore, 18, and has been when it emerged a JOSH TAYLOR WINSTON CAMPOS on a slow rise ever back-up opponent @JoshTaylorBoxer n/a since. He’s fresher had already been Jan 2, 1991/27 DOB/AGE Jun 6, 1992/25 than Soto. Perhaps sourced and, Prestonpans HOMETOWN Managua more ambitious. Scottish NATIONALITY Nicaraguan Size-wise, he Tartan Tornado NICKNAME El Zurdo 1/100 ODDS 16/1 has an edge on 11-0 (10) RECORD 30-3-5 (18) Soto, too, having Southpaw predominantly Jul 18, 2015/24 DEBUT/AGE Mar 6, 2010/17 campaigned as a 91 KO PERCENTAGE 47 super-lightweight 5 FIGHTS IN 0 for much of his career. (Soto, of course, was a former world champion at super- featherweight and lightweight, and started his career as a bantamweight.) He should be hungry; he should be game. If past champions from Nicaragua are anything to go by, he could also be a little wild, unpredictable and dangerous, especially early, as Taylor looks to get to grips with his style and suss a fellow southpaw (following all those weeks preparing to fight a come-forward orthodox slugger). But Campos is different to Soto in many others ways as well. Different in ways that make him less of a danger and make this less of a fight. He’s significantly less experienced and established, for one, and has only twice fought outside his native Nicaragua. Back in 2012 he was stopped inside four rounds by ➤

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 23 PREVIEWS

➤ Edgar Puerta in Mexico, and then he Ominously, Taylor shares less in Equally impressive was the way suffered the same fate against Ismael common with the likes of Guerra and Taylor nullified the aggressive advances Barroso, familiar to fans of Kevin Mitchell Gonzalez and more in common with of Miguel Vasquez, the former IBF and , in Costa Rica the Barroso and Puerta, punchers who lightweight champion, last November. following year. Admittedly, Barroso had their way with Campos before the Vasquez, like Humberto Soto, had seen and Puerta are heavy-handed, but halfway mark. The Scot is a little bit better days, sure, but he’d never been these results still serve to highlight why special, far from your average prospect, stopped, had won his previous four Campos has spent the majority of his and is being moved in a way – briskly, fights, and, rather than performing like an career at home. without stabilisers – that suggests there old man on his way out, took the fight to In terms of wins, the best he can offer is plenty more to come. There are risks Taylor, attempted to rough him up and is a decision (bizarrely, over nine rounds) being taken, there is a desire to have him even had small periods of success. against Galvis Guerra, tested, and already, in a Yet, in the end, Taylor stifled him, a 15-1-3 Columbian pro career comprising squeezed the ambition out of him, and who’d never boxed just 11 fights, he has used his work rate and punch output to outside Columbia, and ‘I AM managed to stop the likes overwhelm Vasquez in nine rounds. Most a third round stoppage of Vasquez, domestic rival impressive was this: he held it together of Mexican COMING TO Ohara Davies, unbeaten when under attack and then, in a display Isaias Martin Gonzales. at the time, and Dave of youthful exuberance, wasn’t content Both fights took place GLASGOW TO Ryan and Warren Joubert. to merely coast and see out the fight on last year, a year in which SHOCK THE With Taylor, 27, it’s points (beat Vasquez the way five others Campos boxed five times, all about temperament. had beaten Vasquez), so actively pursued but hardly suggest he WORLD’ Mature beyond his years, the stoppage instead. is breaking through to the Scot is able to remain “It was good,” Taylor says. “I’ve watched world level, nor ready to relaxed under pressure, it back a couple of times and noticed a halt the momentum of Josh Taylor. inside and outside the ring, and handled few things I need to work on and could “I’m delighted to get this opportunity,” his 2017 grudge match with Davies in have done better, but that’s the benefit Campos said. “I was in training for fine style. Looking back, this revealed of hindsight. I was marching forward at another fight when I got the call. I’m a lot. Taylor, the quiet man, the good times, being a bit careless, diving in, and coming to Glasgow to shock the world. guy, refused to take Davies’ bait, despite getting one big shot off and then getting NOT MEANT TO BE: “Taylor is talented, no doubt, but I’m some unsavoury pre-fight comments, caught with silly shots. It was just a few Taylor [to left of cut from a different cloth: I’m from the and didn’t let his emotions get the better wee things like that. McGuigan] and Soto streets of Managua! I have the style of him on fight night. In response, he “They are things I will have to fix and pose before their fight is cancelled to give him nightmares and I’m very simply dictated the pace from the start tighten up.” Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ confident that I can rip that title from and utilised superior technique to force a Even without fixing and tightening, LEE SMITH him on March 3.” seventh round stoppage. Taylor possesses enough to tame

24 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net Photo: ACTION IMAGES/JASON CAIRNDUFF

ON THE RISE: Easton encounters one of his toughest tests on the undercard

Campos on Saturday night. He is a 2012 problematic for the home favourite. Easton and Glenn Foot, billed as the Olympian and 2014 Commonwealth Keep in mind, too, that Campos was chief support on the Channel 5-televised Games gold medallist, has mixed in just 21 years of age when he stared down bill, figures to be a more competitive better company as a pro, and is confident the barrel of Barroso’s gun in Costa Rica, offering. Easton, 11-0 (6), hails from and efficient on both the front and back and will have no doubt grown from that Edinburgh and boasts good wins against foot. He can box; he can fight. Best of experience and used 38 professional Steve Jamoye and Josef Zahradnik, while all, Taylor’s a bit of a chameleon in the fights to learn, improve, and toughen Foot, 21-3 (6), the more experienced of ring and has the ability to give different up. If nothing else, he will be battle- the two, narrowly lost a thriller against looks depending on the style of hardened. Glasgow might overwhelm Josh Leather in November and will be the fighter in front of him. him, but he should be keen to get back to winning ways. This This makes him tough to comfortable enough should be a good one, but form suggests read; tougher to beat. TALKING POINT with the idea of doing Easton prevails. It will also come in HUMBERTO SOTO’S withdrawal something he has There is also another outing, and first handy when facing meant it was a busy weekend for the done professionally title defence, for go-getting Chantelle opponents of McGuigans. “We were informed that Soto since he was a Cameron at The SSE Hydro. She takes on the late-notice had sustained a serious cut in a sparring teenager. Fighting. Myriam Dellal over ten (two-minute) and unheralded session and that he would not be able to Yet there are rounds with the IBO female lightweight variety. compete,” said Blain McGuigan who, alongside levels to this title at stake. Campos’ brother Jake, worked frantically to find a game, just as Cameron, 5-0 (4), has size and power danger, replacement. “This is there are weight on her side – it’s what sets her apart and these things can happen, we wish meanwhile, lies in classes and titles, from the rest – but her punch power, in Humberto a full recovery. Josh now his unpredictability has to focus on Winston Campos.” and Josh Taylor, particular, will be put to the test against and the very fact likely too young and Dellal, a 39-year-old from France who, he’s an unknown fresh for Humberto Soto, despite losing her last three fights, quantity. Where Taylor will will surely be too good has never been stopped in a 10-year be measured and technical, and too powerful for Winston professional career and holds a 15-7-3 Campos’ work will be raw and uncouth. Campos on Saturday night. It might take (2) record. Where Taylor’s game plan will be him a round or two to defuse the South “Wham Bam Chan’”, 26, is a sure-fire meticulous, Campos will improvise. American’s lefty style, but, once he does, bet to grab her sixth straight win, but That’s not to say being unruly is a good “The Tartan Tornado” has more than should she cut this one short, we’ll know thing, but if Campos is allowed to get enough to get the job completed by the we’re looking at the real deal. bn a foothold in the fight, this propensity seventh. to think outside the box, and throw The vacant Commonwealth super- THE VERDICT Campos no pushover, punches from odd angles, could be lightweight title fight between Jason but huge underdog for good reason.

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 25 SINGLE-MINDED: Dickens wants one thing and one thing only – a world title Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ HENRY BROWNE

26 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net ADDICTED From the outside looking in, Jazza Dickens’ obsession with boxing borders on the absurd but, as Chris Walker observes, the only thing that will bring him true happiness is a future with a world title within it

Y second Heineken Triangle gym is now over, and although a great atmosphere in the gym with the tastes better than Dickens is grateful for the time afforded other fighters we’ve got coming through at the first. There are and the honours they achieved together, the moment.” countless clichés he is adamant that a change was required. There is a theme about starting from about Lady Lager, and “It felt like I was fighting more, when scratch that recurs often during my M all the joys she can I wanted to move more, and I had to get near-three-hour chat with Dickens, to deliver, and as I sit in away and basically get my footwork sorted the point it almost feels rehearsed. a south Liverpool pub out, because it felt like I wasn’t using my There are similarities to when he first awaiting the imminent arrival of James legs no more,” he explains. With the purse sought a professional mentor, as back in Dickens, I remember that this alluring from his most recent fight, a technical 2010, Dickens frequented British gyms, temptress remains a stranger to the points loss to Thomas Ward who took auditioning his potential trainer. Anthony Liverpudlian southpaw. A stunning portrait away his , Dickens placed his Farnell, Oliver Harrison and Dave Tonks of discipline, Dickens eventually takes fight equipment into a small bag and all held pads for and sold their credentials his seat opposite me with a cup headed to Florida. He did not know to the debut-awaiting Dickens, but the of tea in hand, a suitable drink JAZZA where his future lay, but he was aforementioned Stevenson was the last to warm his battle-hardened ★ ★ prepared to travel far and wide man standing. Their journey together hands from the bitter cold DICKENS to find out. brought only happiness until the former outside. BIG INTERVIEW “I love the Cuban boxers and ABA champion was brutally halted by Kid A lot has changed since the their way of fighting, so I went Galahad in September 2013. first time I witnessed “Jazza” to work with [respected Cuban “I’ve never told many people this, and perform the only role he has coach] Jorge Rubio for a bit, I don’t know if I’ve told you this before, ever known. He was a dazzling which was okay,” he recounts. but that loss left me suicidal,” Jazza tells 16-year-old who glided around the “I then went to the famous 5th Street me, understandably quietly. Following canvas as though he could have been Gym in Miami, and you want to see some this admission, a brief silence engulfs our sporting skates, but for all the beauty of the sparring that I got in there. It was all cosy corner as Dickens is taken back to the evident in his footwork, there was a good experience that you can’t put a price darkest moment of his life. “It honestly felt nastiness when he let his hands go, and on, and I had to make a big decision about like I was going to do it because it was all great things were predicted for the freckle- what to do and where to train. I spent I would think about in the days afterwards. faced youngster. “He’ll go to the [2012] some time in Marbella too, but at the I’d just be sitting with my missus then all Olympics if he wants to,” whispered the back of my mind was working with Derry of a sudden, I could feel tears falling down now-deceased Richie King, a mainstay of [Mathews] because I believed there were my face and I didn’t know why. I’d just be Liverpool’s bloated scene, good things going on in his gym. Learning crying all the time because I just couldn’t but Dickens instead turned professional from the likes of him, Georgie take the defeat.” in early 2011 – seven years ago – aged just Vaughan, and Joe Mac [McNally] can Despite not being able initially to 19. But today, the former British super- only be a good thing, and there’s digest the setback, Dickens ➤ bantamweight champion tells me that it feels like those hopeful days all over again. “I had to look at things properly, and take it back to what it was like when THAT LOSS LEFT ME SUICIDAL. I was first thinking about turning over,” IT HONESTLY FELT LIKE I WAS says a relaxed Dickens, his feet positioned comfortably on the vacant chair to my GOING TO DO IT BECAUSE IT WAS right. His seven-year relationship with trainer Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red ALL I WOULD THINK ABOUT” www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 27 ➤ eventually analysed what went wrong I was mad because I was just rocking back birds are not meant to be caged, and this and decided to heed the lessons from it. and forth when I was on the phone getting applied to Dickens, who foolishly ignored the A God-fearing family man and father of three, the news about it. I took it straight away sensible advice of everybody around him by Dickens realised against Galahad that he had because I want to be world champion and training alone. to pace fights better and preserve energy I want to fight the best. I didn’t even ask what “I’d tell my family I was just going for a for the closing stages. He was ahead on all my purse was until about a week later.” little walk around the block,” he admits. “But three scorecards at the time of the stoppage, Despite revelling in the excitement I was going on six-mile runs thinking about so there were several positives to take from throughout the build-up, Dickens’ aspirations the day I could fight again. I was going out the fight, and by combining what he did well were violently ripped apart, as his jaw was the way to spinning classes and you want with correcting some flaws, Dickens began broken courtesy of Rigondeaux’s stunning to see what I looked like in there. I’d be on another journey up the domestic rankings, accuracy. Dickens, pleading to continue, was the bike pedalling as fast as I could when eventually becoming British champion two rescued by his corner, and the rehabilitation my mouth wouldn’t even close. I must’ve years later by defeating for the process began. “I was getting seen to by the looked like an absolute mad man going all vacant strap. doctor afterwards and Rigondeaux was in out on an exercise bike with the bottom of Dickens found himself in a position to the room with me and I was just snarling my face just hanging off. I was down for so pursue further lucrative chances, and one at him, not even taking any notice of what long, but having people like my family and my came in the daunting shape of Cuban wizard the doctor was saying,” he recalls. “The pain sponsors around me made it that bit easier.” , the much-avoided was something else afterwards, but in the Dickens now looks back on his lonely division ruler at the time. Their original date moment, I just wanted to continue because restoration with an infectious laugh. The was eventually shelved due to the former star I don’t think he was what they made him out loss to Rigondeaux hurt, but he was still amateur enduring visa issues, but their bout to be. My time with him in the ring was only the holder of a domestic belt, until that was was ultimately rescheduled for the summer brief, so perhaps there was more to come taken from him by Ward in May last year. of 2016. from him, but what I was in with wasn’t what Ward built up a healthy lead, albeit one that “I thought the fight was gone when it was I expected at all.” was diminishing as the fight wore on, but a first called off,” Dickens notes. “I was sitting Unable to train, a prisoner in his home, the clash of heads left the Durham man unable in the car with my girl by the Echo Arena just hiatus necessary for a full recovery became to continue in the ninth round, and the having a nice day by the water when the call a gruelling exercise for Dickens, one advantage he had cultivated in the early came through about it getting made again. replete with boredom and impatience. stages proved crucial as he got the People walking past the car must’ve thought Stephen King once opined that certain verdict from the ringside judges. “It didn’t feel like I lost,” Jazza states. “I was I MUST’VE LOOKED coming on strong, and I could feel LIKE AN ABSOLUTE every shot hurting MAD MAN GOING ALL him. Even up close, I heard OUT ON AN EXERCISE how loud and fast his breathing BIKE WITH THE was becoming. The tide had BOTTOM OF MY FACE definitely turned. In a sporting JUST HANGING OFF” sense, okay I can see how I’ve lost because the rules are the rules, but from a fight perspective, I felt like the winner, and I didn’t want to give him the belt because I just don’t feel like I’ve lost the fight. The Board has now nominated us to fight for it again, and you’ll see an altogether different performance from me next time.” Next up for Dickens is an outing in Manchester this Friday (March 2), a fight that will allow him to shed the rust from 10 months of inactivity. The meticulous plans formulated by a more mature Dickens are very close to being realised, and the dreams held since he was a 13-year-old boy are as clear now as they were back then. “This is just who I am,” he declares. “I want a world title so bad, and I will never be complete until I have one. This isn’t for my family, it’s just for me, because I know they love me no matter what I accomplish. I love this sport so much, and I’ve given all I have to it. When I was young, my parents couldn’t afford Sky, so the only way I could watch boxing was staying up till about 3am so I could watch KOTV [on Channel 4], because that was the only boxing available to me. I’d go into school shattered the next day then go to the gym in the night. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be, a world champion.” bn

28 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net THE THREE DEFEATS: Dickens’ only losses have come against Ward [above], Galahad [right] and Rigondeaux [top right] Photos: ACTION IMAGES

CLOSE SHAVE: Dickens. pictured sporting a closely cropped haircut ACTION ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING ★★★★ GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ DISAPPOINTING ★ RUBBISH

Reporters’ star ratings for main events and undercards are based on in-ring entertainment, competitiveness and whether overall expectation was met

Photos: ED MULHOLLAND/HBO

SIMPLY GLORIOUS: Srisaket cracks Estrada on the jaw during their spellbinding matchup

THE REAL DEAL There can INGLEWOOD, CA rematch, had he simply caught an ageing blows with his shoulders. Srisaket kept Gonzalez at the right time? Any such coming, however, and by the fourth be no more FEBRUARY 24 doubts can be safely put to bed after round was fully dialled in. doubting Srisaket’s majority decision victory over Thudding straight lefts landed on Srisaket after ★★★★★ MAIN EVENT Mexico’s in a Estrada’s face in the fourth, and again ★★★★ UNDERCARD sensational contest that was capped by in the fifth. In the sixth, with Srisaket no latest stirring a final frame worthy of consideration for longer falling into his counter-punching ★★★★ ATMOSPHERE triumph Round of the Year. trap, Estrada began to trade more; but Puerto Penasco’s Estrada began the his shots, though crisp and clean, were VEN on the back super- contest more briskly, no match for his opponent’s thumping of two victories in catching Srisaket with sharp, straight strikes. By the seventh, it was Srisaket 2017 over then- counters as the heavy-handed southpaw who was countering Estrada’s attacks, pound-for-pounder looked to come forward, and showing and the force of his punches was evident E Roman “Chocolatito” confidence and calm under pressure. even from ringside. Gonzalez, there The Mexican retreated enough to force But now it was Estrada’s turn to adapt, remained a smidgen Srisaket to reach with his punches and in the eighth he was back in the of doubt about . and leave himself open to rapid-fire groove, peppering Srisaket anew with The first win was a controversial points combinations to the chin. By the third, quick combinations off the back foot. decision that most at ringside thought however, Srisaket had closed the gap The rounds were almost universally close, Kieran Gonzalez deserved; and while the man sufficiently to begin swarming Estrada, in the balance until the closing seconds. Mulvaney from , was dominant in who nonetheless was able to contort Srisaket may have stolen the ninth and RINGSIDE scoring a fourth-round knockout in the his body to block most of the incoming 10th from Estrada with late flurries, and

30 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net Estrada returned the favour in the 11th. career is now I have the support of the Pat Russell, who saw it 97-93 and 98-92 FULL But the 12th was a round for the ages, people of Thailand.” respectively in Arroyo’s favour. The third RESULTS neither man prepared to wait until the The referee was Jack Reiss. man in the ring was Jerry Cantu. end to make his stand, both throwing Fajardo, ’s McWilliams In flyweight action, Srisaket Sor leather at each other over the course of Arroyo outfought, outthought and maintained his 13-plus-year unbeaten Rungvisai (114.8lbs), three minutes of action that was as skilful outpointed , of streak and retained his IBF flyweight 44-4-1 (39), w pts as it was violent. Guamuchil, Mexico, in a mild upset in title with a seventh-round stoppage of 12 Juan Francisco According to , for the first another contest. Mendoza City, Argentina’s Juan Carlos Estrada (115lbs), 36-3 11 rounds the two men combined to Arroyo attacked Cuadras viciously Reveco. Nietes, from Bacolod City in (25); McWilliams throw 1,029 power punches, an average in the first round and may have hurt the Philippines, stepped past Reveco’s Arroyo (114.2lbs), of 93.5 per round. But in the 12th frame him early; even when the pace let up, looping punches and landed a counter 17-3 (14), w pts alone, they combined for an he was in constant control. right at the bell to end the sixth that sent 10 Carlos Cuadras (114.6lbs), 35-3-1 additional 187. They landed He advanced when he Reveco drunkenly crashing into the ropes (26); Donnie Nietes 279 of those power shots wanted to, countered near the padding instead of to his corner. (111.6lbs), 41-1-4 through the first 11 when he wanted to, He had not recovered after a minute’s (23), w rsf 7 Juan frames, and added 54 TALKING POINT turned southpaw rest and when Nietes dropped him in Carlos Reveco more over the course ONCE again, the super-flyweight when he wanted to. a neutral corner, trainer Ariel Cueto (112lbs), 39-4 (19); of the final three division produces yet another In contrast, Cuadras signalled to referee Ed Hernandez Snr to minutes. barnstorming fight of the highest seemed devoid of stop the fight. Time was 0-53. (111.4lbs), 16-0 (11), Judge Dave Moretti quality. Is there a better weight plan or purpose, Artem Dalakian of Dnipropetrovsk, w pts 12 Brian Viloria saw the contest as class in the sport today? although he never may have brought a halt to the (111.4lbs), 38-6 (22); Pedro Duran (131lbs), a 114-114 draw, but stopped throwing; lengthy career of Waihapu, Hawaii’s 16-0-3 (13), d pts Cathy Leonard rendered and, disappointingly for Brian Viloria with a dominant points 8 Enrique Tinoco a score of 115-113 and someone who had been win. Raul Caiz Snr, Robert Hoyle and Mr (131lbs), 16-5-4 Steve Morrow turned in a too- training at the Summit Gym in Russell all saw it as 118-109 for Dalakian, (12); Anahi Torres wide card of 117-111 for Srisaket, who Big Bear, with Abel Sanchez, who was deducted a point by referee Lou (108lbs), 17-17-1 retained his WBC super-flyweight belt. appeared to be sucking wind for the final Moret in the ninth for repeatedly pushing (12), w pts 8 Louisa Estrada was unhappy with the verdict. six or so sessions of the 10-rounder. down on Viloria’s head. At the end, Hawton (107.2lbs), “I felt I won the fight. I boxed him all Cuadras won the second on a big Viloria’s face was a mask of blood after 7-1 (3); Mario Ramos night long and then I attacked him the right hand that spun Arroyo 90 degrees; an accidental elbow in the 11th opened (128.6lbs), 4-0 (4), w ko 1 Oscar Eduardo last three rounds,” he said. “I landed great he took the ninth and perhaps the 10th a gash on his forehead. Dalakian claimed Quezada (129.6lbs), shots at the end. I thought I won clearly.” as Arroyo cruised to the finish, but the vacant WBA flyweight belt. 7-6 (4). “It was a very good fight,” said Srisaket. otherwise Arroyo was in control. “He hits very hard and I like his style, but Judge Fernando Villareal nonetheless THE VERDICT Sensational Srisaket I know I won the fight. The difference scored the contest a 95-95 draw; but proves he’s the best in a brilliant between now and other points in my he was overruled by Tony Crebs and division.

OVER 13 YEARS UNBEATEN: Nietes [left] continues his remarkable undefeated streak with a stoppage victory against Reveco

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 31 ACTION LEVEL CLEARED

Smith NUREMBERG, GER better than advertised. about his opponent until the opening The bout can, to an extent, be round. contains FEBRUARY 24 compared to the first 168lb semi-final, It’s also true that Holzken was going the fiery where a wild but willing Chris Eubank Jnr into the unknown, yet throughout his ★★★ MAIN EVENT was contained and outsmarted by training camp, as he prepared for Holzken to ★★ UNDERCARD the vastly more experienced the highly-regarded Dmitrii George Groves. What was TALKING Chudinov, he knew he (hopefully) N the end, Nieky glaringly different to POINT would be facing someone set up final Holzken, the that highly-anticipated FOR the WBSS to retain the he wasn’t expected to kickboxer crossed encounter however enormous credit they have built beat. And that ‘nothing with Groves with a boxer, was was the amount of to this point, George Groves must to lose’ mentality was I no joke. While time Groves and be the man Smith faces in the final. only strengthened by many observers Smith were given to Not Braehmer, not Eubank Jnr, but being elevated to the poked fun at do their homework. Groves, who insists he will be main event co-star. For the late substitute’s fistic credentials For Groves, who was fit to fight in July following Holzken, this was the beforehand (13-0 against underwhelming ringside inside the Arena minor surgery to his chance of a lifetime but shoulder. opposition), the Dutch pin-up was never Nürnberger Versicherung for Smith, it was a merely a a laughing matter for Callum Smith. and not exactly gushing banana skin he needed to step Not when he came in at five days’ notice with praise afterwards, his entire over. to replace the poorly Jurgen Braehmer preparation was focused on Eubank Jnr, Step over it he did, and while and threatened the Scouser’s focus, nor yet Smith – despite trainer Joe Gallagher struggling to impress in difficult during the fight itself when, despite being cramming in as much research as circumstances, he did exactly what he well beaten over 12, he performed far, far possible into a few days – knew little had to do - win. Smith never once looked Photos: ACTION IMAGES/REUTERS/RALPH ORLOWSKI

BETTER MAN: Smith works the body to try and bring down Holzken’s high guard

32 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net FULL TWO-WAY: RESULTS Holzken clouts Smith with his dangerous right hand Callum Smith (167 1/2lbs), 24-0 (17), w pts 12 Nieky Holzken (167 1/2lbs), 13-1 (10); Filip Hrgovic (228 1/2lbs), 4-0 (3), w pts 8 Sean Turner (261lbs), 12-1 (8); Dmitrii Chudinov (167 3/4lbs), 21-2-2 (13), w pts 8 Sergey Khomitski (166 1/4lbs), 31-15-3 (14); Wanik Awdijan (160lbs), 23-1 (10), w pts 8 Florian Wildenhof (158 1/2lbs), 27-5-1 (11).

like not doing so, listened to the calm and whose impressive jab remains one of Turner extended Croatian heavyweight clear advice coming from Gallagher, and the division’s best, as he kept Holzken hope, Filip Hrgovic before going controlled the bout. After 12 energetic at range and regularly thumped the down 80-72 (twice) and 79-73 on the sessions, judges Sergio Silvi and Nikolay onrushing underdog with his right hand. scorecards after eight rounds. The Sigov scored 117-111 for the Englishman A sublime in the 11th was prospect, now 4-0 (3) after a decorated while Bela Florian’s card of 118-110 perhaps Smith’s finest moment, though amateur career, had previously stopped matched that of Boxing News. Tom Taylor eye-catching blows stung Holzken Tom Little. The referee was Joerg Milke. refereed. regularly and contained that unorthodox The aforementioned Chudinov, The favourite had been expected to aggressiveness. originally set to be Holzken’s opponent win early, of course, yet such forecasts “I didn’t really make the statement that before Braehmer pulled out, kept his were made with a presumption that I wanted to,” Smith admitted at the end. head against Belarus’ Sergey Khomitski Holzken, an accomplished “But I did what I went in there to do, and – who has wins over and kickboxer, would crumble the moment that was book my place in the final. That Adam Etches on his record – to take a he felt the power in was the main objective, after eight. Three Smith’s gloves. But it was regardless of who was in scores of 78-73 saw referee Holger ALL SMILES: soon apparent that the the other corner. Wiemann lift his arm at the end. Smith and Dutchman – sporting ‘THERE WAS “There was a lot of Gallagher an ear stud which he pressure on me to book THE VERDICT Job done for Smith celebrate after PRESSURE a successful kept well covered with a my place in the final and against ambitious substitute, who mission to surprisingly solid guard TO BOOK MY it’s job done. I wasn’t performed better than expected. Germany – was made of robust prepared to take any stuff, as he rode several PLACE IN THE chances. I boxed well, early meaty right hands used my jab and stuck without showing any FINAL, IT’S to the basics.” sign of discomfort. JOB DONE’ Undoubtedly Smith It was Smith, actually, can perform better who was the first to be than he did here, but dented as his nose leaked blood after it would be harsh to criticise a man who being clouted by a looping right hand in has consistently found his path ahead the third round. Holzken also brought littered with obstacles. Long before he the crowd to life in rounds five, when signed up for this tournament, he waited, a volley of shots pinned Smith to the without reward, for the world title shot ropes, and seven, with another bowling he deserves. One hopes that he gets the power shot that jerked back the head chance to show everyone what he can of his opponent. But it should be noted really do in the final, when – presuming that Smith, even in the midst of Holzken’s and hoping Groves recovers from his hottest spells, remained composed under shoulder injury in time – he will at last fire and, tellingly, barely got out of first fight an opponent who can really bring gear, simply because he didn’t need to. out the best in him. The real quality all came from Callum, On the undercard, Dublin’s Sean

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 33 ACTION ALL OVER IN ONE

Impressive MANCHESTER for hanging around and needed just 115 Jordan Gill and Doncaster’s tall Jason seconds to successfully defend his title, Cunningham proved highly watchable Ritson stops FEBRUARY 25 flooring Murray twice in the process. right through to the finish. A belting Murray in The first knockdown after a fairly even final session was the highlight, with ★★★★ MAIN EVENT opening minute was ultimately the one Cunningham – down initially from a the opening ★★★ UNDERCARD that mattered. A clubbing left to the body right to the head late in the fourth, and ★★★ ATMOSPHERE sent Murray writhing to the canvas in then again from a short left early in round agony, and while he was back on the seventh – giving it his all and his feet by the time referee landing some cracking shots, MUST admit to being Howard Foster reached a TALKING before being tagged by two a trifle surprised that count of ‘eight’, the die POINT huge rights to the head as the hulking Victoria had been cast. RITSON explained his fast the bell approached. Warehouse should With Ritson start: “Murray was saying in Classy Gill – who I be deemed worthy swarming forward interviews that he had nearly as had picked up some of playing host to on the resumption, many as I had fights, so damage by the left a televised boxing it came as no shock I had a funny feeling he was going eye along the way but event, some of its facilities, with the when a flurry to the to come rushing out, but that who for the most part greatest respect, being just a little Spartan. body and a punishing suited me to a tee. He was had been a little quicker That said, everything seemingly went to left-right to the head sent there to be hit.” to the punch – ultimately plan. Murray down once more proved a wide winner for Having waited so long for another only seconds later. With an early judges Phil Edwards, Mr Foster opportunity to prove his worth at night beckoning, Ritson wasn’t about and Steve Gray, who scored 97-92, 98-91 championship level, it was almost doubly to let the challenger off the hook, and and 98-90 respectively. Referee was Mark cruel that Manchester’s Joe Murray one last burst to the head brought the Lyson. Andy should be cut down in such a short space intervention of Mr Foster. Manchester’s claimed a Whittle of time. Forest Hall’s British lightweight An eliminator for the British 78-75 victory over eight against Croatian RINGSIDE champion Lewis Ritson was in no mood featherweight belt between Chatteris’ Josip Perkovic, but was given a sterner Photos: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/MATCHROOM

STUNNING START: Ritson attacks Murray in the opening round, moments before the finish

34 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net TREMENDOUS: left hook combination – sliding groggily Gill [right] and FULL Cunningham to the seat of his shorts. It was all over RESULTS exchange power with 50 seconds of the opener still shots during a remaining. thrilling scrap Lewis Ritson (133lbs Hattersley’s Marcus Morrison is 9oz), 14-0 (8), still seemingly in confidence-building w rsf 1 Joe Murray mode as he looks towards re-establishing (134lbs 6oz), 23-3 himself after suffering a couple of losses (10); Jordan Gill (125 last year. This win – after 2-21 in the 1/4lbs), 19-0 (4), w pts second of a fancifully slated six against 10 Jason Cunningham Majorca’s Fernando Heredia – will have (124lbs 6oz), 23-5 (6); done his confidence no harm at all Hosea Burton (180lbs 5oz), 21-1 (10), The under-fire Heredia, cut on the w pts 8 Josip Perkovic cheek midway through the opener and (183lbs 1oz), 4-4-1 having been shaken by a left uppercut, (2); Scott Fitzgerald was rightly halted by referee Lyson (160 1/4lbs), 9-0 (7), after shipping a trio of punishing rights w tco 1 Ishmael Tetteh upstairs. (163 1/4lbs), 34-14-2 Sale’s Sam Hyde, boxing with a knee (20); Sam Hyde (203 test than he might have expected. The that in her home town on April 21, Jonas brace, ran out a 60-55 winner for referee 1/2lbs), 12-0-1 (5), visitor, with only four career wins to would be fighting for a belt – maybe a Gray. Croatian Toni Visic had replied w pts 6 Toni Visic (204 1/2lbs), 20-24-1 (5); his credit, proved a worthy adversary, European, maybe a world. sparingly throughout and had a bit of a Marcus Morrison (163 bloodying Burton’s nose despite having , the former standout go late on, but for the most part it was 1/2lbs), 16-2 (12), been rocked in the very early stages. The amateur from , took all four Hyde who called the shots. w rsf 2 Fernando referee was Mr Gray. sessions from Mr Lyson on his pro debut A four-rounder overseen by Mr Lyson Heredia (164 1/2lbs), Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas, having against Evesham’s Brett Fidoe – no between Bolton’s Osman Aslam and 3-4 (1); Natasha taken all six rounds on the card of Mr straightforward task by any means, but Barcelona-based Nicaraguan Elvis Jonas (134lbs 2oz), Gray against tenacious Pole Karina one completed admirably by the well- Guillen went the way of the former. 5-0 (4), w pts 6 Karina Kopinska, looks set for her first title shot supported newcomer. Doubling his jab and mixing things up Kopinska (132lbs), next time out. A scheduled six between Preston’s nicely, Aslam was always in charge. He 10-24-3 (3); Qais Ashfaq (123lbs 3oz), Having picked her shots well and Scott Fitzgerald and Ghanaian Ishmael took home a 40-36 verdict. 1-0, w pts 4 Brett outfoxed a particularly experienced Tetteh finished in the first round. Referee Fidoe (122lbs 6oz), opponent, it was revealed in the post- Gray dived in with the African – just THE VERDICT Ritson catches the eye 8-44-4 (5); Osman fight interview by promoter Eddie Hearn having fallen victim to a right uppercut- in front of a TV audience. Aslam (124lbs), 11-0 (4), w pts 4 Elvis Guillen (120lbs), 9-36- 4 (6).

LOOK TO THE FUTURE: Jonas warms up for a title fight, against Kopinska [above]; Burton [far right] is tested by Perkovic; the gifted Ashfaq [below, on right] eases into the professional code; while Preston’s Fitzgerald [below right] makes short work of Ghana’s Tetteh

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Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ADAM HOLT

Simon Euan-Smith BRUISING EDUCATION: RINGSIDE Clark dislodges Barrett’s gumshield and ruins his unbeaten record FEBRUARY 24

★★★ MAIN EVENT ★★★ UNDERCARD ★★★ ATMOSPHERE

THEY call Ronnie Clark “The Shark”, and the Dundee super-feather took Manchester’s into deep waters, flooring him in the sixth round and taking a well-deserved majority verdict at York Hall. At the end of 12 rounds, both were lifted up by their teams, and some ringsiders felt it was close, and had no problems with Michael Alexander’s 114- 114 scoreline. I made southpaw Clark a clear winner, as did judges Miroslaw Brozio and Jan Teleki, who both had it 116-111 for the Scot. Victory puts Clark in the frame for high-level domestic bouts, while for Barrett, losing the ‘0’ doesn’t have to be disastrous. Clark started fast, not letting Barrett get settled. From the third, Barrett started countering with long jabs and targeting the body – one right went low, and ‘SHARK’ ATTACK referee Phil Edwards warned Barrett (not for the last time). Clark becomes Daniel Dubois (Greenwich) retained corner, and with nothing coming back Clark kept pressing, and in the sixth the first man his Southern Area heavyweight title when referee Gray called a halt. he landed a big right uppercut that put he beat DL Jones (Isle of Sheppey) in the Chigwell’s Boy Jones outpointed Barrett down. He was up quickly, took to defeat the third of a scheduled 10. It was Jones’ first Spaniard Reynaldo Mora over eight. the eight-count and went on the move. touted Barrett defeat. Jones’ tactics were to get close Referee Gray’s 80-72 scoreline was fair, By the bell Barrett was fighting back, and and grab, but Dubois quickly started but didn’t reflect Mora’s contribution. by the start of the seventh Clark was cut scoring with body-shots. Jones was under Jones stayed in control, making good use between the eyes. pressure in the second, and in the third of his jab, but Mora kept coming forward There was a bump under Clark’s he was covering up on the ropes when a and made it interesting. left eye in the ninth, and the 10th was big right uppercut, followed by another Another willing Spaniard, Ivan Ruiz probably Barrett’s best round. He seemed right to the head, sent him down. Referee Morote, reacted angrily when referee to be lasting the pace better, and a left Robert Williams promptly signalled the Williams stopped his eight-rounder with hook knocked Clark’s head back. But end, and it was announced as a technical Archie Sharp (Welling) after 22 seconds Clark rallied well in the 11th, and there count-out after 2-43. of the seventh. A left hook to the body were good exchanges in the final two Nathan Gorman (Nantwich) had dropped Morote by the ropes. He was sessions, both of which saw Barrett lose a 48lb advantage over Frenchman up at ‘four’, but Mr Williams waved it off his gumshield. Barrett probably won the Morgan Dessaux, and the scheduled after completing the eight-count. Maybe 12th, but it wasn’t enough. eight-rounder ended after 1-08 of the Morote could have gone on, but he was Also on this Queensberry promotion, second. Dessaux was simply too small. a long way behind – he tried hard, but Ilford light-heavy Two left hooks had him on his knees in could never make an impression. dropped Frenchman Tony Averlant the first, and he was taking stick at the Referee Williams scored Ilford’s Umar twice and forced his retirement after bell. In the second, Gorman landed a big Sadiq a 40-35 winner over Manchester’s seven rounds (scheduled for 10). Averlant left hook and trapped Dessaux in his own Yailton Neves. Southpaw Neves was was game, but Yarde had too much of down in the first round and cut in the everything. He picked his shots well, and FULL RESULTS corner of the right eye. by the end of third Averlant was bleeding There were also wins for Chigwell’s from the nose and marked under the left Ronnie Clark (129lbs), 21-4-2 (10), w pts 12 Zelfa Barrett (128lbs), 19-1 (12); Harvey Horn over Czech Patrik eye. Anthony Yarde (174lbs), 15-0 (14), w rtd 7 Tony Averlant (174lbs), 26-10-2 (5); Bartos (40-37, Gray); Ilford’s Hamzah A left hook to the ribs dropped Daniel Dubois (238lbs), 7-0 (7), w tco 3 DL Jones (243lbs), 8-1-1; Boy Jones Sheeraz over Plymouth’s Christian Averlant in the sixth, and then a similar Jnr (134lbs 8oz), 15-1-1 (8), w pts 8 Reynaldo Mora (135lbs 7oz), 7-32-1 (4); Hoskin Gomez (39-38, Williams); and (129lbs), 12-0 (7), w rsf 7 (130lbs), 18-9-1 (7); shot put him down again. He came out Archie Sharp Ivan Ruiz Morote Southampton’s Ryan Garner over Spain’s Nathan Gorman (253lbs), 12-0 (10), w rsf 2 Morgan Dessaux (205lbs), 4-2 (4); gamely for the seventh, pecking away Umar Sadiq (169lbs), 2-0, w pts 4 Yailton Neves (170lb), 2-10 (1); Harvey Horn Lesther Cantillano (40-35, Williams). with jabs, but it was one-way traffic, and (115lbs), 2-0 (1), w pts 4 Patrik Barton (117lbs), 12-17 (10); Hamzah Sheeraz the was sensible. Steve (156lbs), 2-0 (1), w pts 4 Christian Hoskin Gomez (157lbs), 6-31-4 (2); Ryan THE VERDICT A big win for Clark, but Gray refereed. Garner (128lbs), 7-0 (5), w pts 4 Lesther Cantillano (128lbs), 3-12 (2). Barrett can come again.

36 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

DREAM TEAM: McIntrye celebrates with Welch [right] BIG MAC and Daron Wiseman IS BACK Will Hale sees McIntyre return to form with Scott Welch in corner

PORTSMOUTH FEBRUARY 24

★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★ ATMOSPHERE

PORTSMOUTH’S former English light- heavyweight champion Joel McIntyre FULL returned from his two-round defeat RESULTS last September at the hands of Liam Conroy to take a clear 80-72 verdict over Joel McIntyre Bulgaria’s Tayar Mehmed in headlining Nicaraguan Geiboord Omier. Midway on Cook’s tally. Jenman switched to (182lbs), 17-2 (3), an Atlantic promotions card at the through the opener, Butler was clipped southpaw occasionally and generally w pts 8 Tayar Mehmed Mountbatten Centre. by a solid left hook and was decked built his solid attacks methodically to (182lbs), 7-30-2 (1); McIntyre certainly suits his nickname heavily onto his side. To his credit, take a dominant victory. Ben Butler (161lbs), 6-0, w pts 6 Geiboord of “El Toro”. He was determined to march he calmly went straight back and Portsmouth’s Derek Renfrew stopped Omier (164lbs), 4-24-1 in and unload on the visitor, and often impressively bossed the remainder. -man Dan Ballard by technical (3); Harlem Eubank paid little regard to keeping his hands Adam Booth-trained Harlem Eubank count out at 2-18 of the first in a mooted (146lbs), 4-0 (1), high or putting his feet in the correct moved to four wins without blemish in four-threes. Third man Coakley waved w pts 4 Ivan Godor place. Mehmet appeared unflustered decisively besting Slovakian Ivan Godor the contest off after a body attack started (143lbs), 20-54-4 (6); over the first two sessions but failed to by 40-34 over four-threes on Chas to drop Ballard and a heavy right caught Nick Jenman (164lbs), sustain a high enough work rate. Coakley’s card. Eubank has long arms and him to the head on the way down. 20-9-1 (3), w pts 4 The home man clearly was the fresher appears to carry power despite only one Southampton’s gifted Harry Limburn Iain Jackson (168lbs), down the stretch and in the final stanza inside the distance win thus far. Harlem impressed on his debut with a 40-36 5-38-2 (2); Derek Renfrew (165lbs), McIntyre found significant success with looked to measure Godor with the jab- (Coakley) win over Croatia’s Antonio 4-0 (2), w tco 1 Dan the left hook to take the wide points right hand in the first and registered a Horvatic. Ballard (175lbs), decision from Lee Cook. knockdown with the very same sequence 0-2 Harry Limburn Brighton’s Ben Butler overcame a of punches in the second. THE VERDICT Harlem Eubank is (137lbs), 1-0, w pts hard first-round knockdown to bag a In an all-Brighton , Nick Jenman progressing well and Limburn could 4 Antonio Horvatic 60-55 (Cook) win over Spain-based shut out Iain Jackson over four-threes be a special talent. (138lbs), 10-46 (5). UNPREDICTABLE

Hillman’s erratic run of form bill-topping status and neither beaten for the first time in what Dennis got the better of Bognor continues against McGinley finished the way the locals would was his fourth paid outing. Regis’ still-winless Callum Ide, have liked. At featherweight, There was disappointment Raines did likewise against Hull’s Chelmsford southpaw Tom at the culmination of a six for gritty Luke Fash, and Brown MAIDSTONE McGinley had won early at this Maidstone super-featherweight eclipsed Eastbourne’s Scott same venue back in October, and Chris Lawrence who, having won Hillman. FEBRUARY 24 while he had to take the long route his first seven, came off second best this time he will be happy enough against Islington’s Jules Phillips. THE VERDICT After losing his ★★★ WHOLE SHOW to have banked a fifth consecutive There was better news over the pro debut, it’s now five wins on win. He outpointed Orpington’s same distance for Chatham super- the trot for McGinley. EX-PRO Joe Elfidh divides his former two-time Southern Area middleweight southpaw Charlie promotional activities fairly title challenger Martin Hillman, Shane, who claimed the spoils at evenly between Worksop and who is currently enduring the conclusion of his bout against FULL RESULTS Maidstone, and this latest offering something of a ‘win one, lose one’ Port Talbot’s Geraint Goodridge. Tom McGinley, 5-1 (1), w pts 8 Martin – a seven-fight card – went ahead run. Three remaining contests – all Hillman, 10-5 (2); Jordan Ellison, 9-12 (1), at the latter, the venue being the There was success over eight fought over four – resulted in w pts 8 Luke Gibb, 3-1; Jordan Dennis, 4-0 Maidstone Leisure Centre, with too for County Durham’s Jordan points wins at light-heavy for (1), w pts 4 Callum Ide, 0-9-2; Paul Brown, every bout going the distance. Ellison, who is a better boxer Chatham’s Jordan Dennis, at 1-0, w pts 4 Scott Hillman, 0-25; Jules However, not everything went the than his record might suggest. He feather for Sittingbourne’s Jack Phillips, 2-12, w pts 6 Chris Lawrence, 8-1; Jack Raines, 5-0, w pts 4 Luke Fash, way of the home boxers. prevailed at super-lightweight over Raines and at super-middle for 2-35-2; Charlie Shane, 6-0, w pts 6 Geraint A pair of eight-rounders shared local favourite Luke Gibb, who was Margate first-timer Paul Brown. Goodridge, 2-3-1.

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 37 ACTION

A DARK DAY Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ADAM HOLT Our thoughts are with the family FULL IN THE BEGINNING: and friends of Scott Westgarth Westgarth celebrates RESULTS victory in his second Scott Westgarth professional bout, Andy Whittle in 2013 (174lbs 7oz), 7-2-1 (2), w pts 10 Dec RINGSIDE Spelman (174lbs 6oz), 11-1 (7); Andy Townend (152lbs DONCASTER 7oz), 21-4 (14), w pts FEBRUARY 24 4 William Warburton (156lbs 1oz), 24-129- THERE is little to rival the passion 10 (4); Lewis Booth engendered when two warriors put (141lbs 6oz), 7-0, everything on the line and trade leather in w pts 4 Naheem Chaudhry (145lbs search of glory. Supporters cheer from the 5oz), 0-12; James rafters as the stakes grow ever higher, but Flint (157lbs 2oz), No sometimes, thankfully only very rarely, the Contest Victor Edagha cheering stops, the bell no longer sounds (152 1/4lbs), 0-26-1. and only silence remains. This was one such occasion. Action at the Doncaster Dome was prematurely halted when Prudhoe-born Sheffield-based light-heavyweight Scott Westgarth collapsed in his dressing could resume. Indeed, had there been a clash against looming, room minutes after triumphing 95-92 time for the night’s referee, John Latham, banked a few sessions with a win against in an English title eliminator against to ask Westgarth to walk forward, it would Atherton’s always-durable William Scunthorpe’s Dec Spelman. News doubtless have been waved off there and Warburton. Meanwhile, Doncaster’s emerged the following day that the then. Lewis Booth secured a one-sided victory 31-year-old had tragically passed away. A four-rounder – duly deemed a over Blackburn road warrior Naheem With victory in his sights, Westgarth, No Contest – between local first-timer Chaudhry. who had stayed busy behind the jab James Flint and Southwark-based A slated Commonwealth welterweight after sending Spelman to his knees with a Italian Victor Edagha had been taking title eliminator between Driffield’s Curtis short hook late in the third, came under place at the time the evening’s boxing Woodhouse and Horndon-on-the-Hill’s particularly heavy fire in the closing was abandoned. Just 1-39 of the second John Wayne Hibbert will have to be seconds of the contest. He was floored round had elapsed. rescheduled. and sent almost out between the ropes A pair of four-round bouts that did by the very last Spelman attack of the run their allotted course both finished THE VERDICT A terribly sad and night, the bell sounding before the bout 40-36. ’s Andy Townend, with painful day for boxing. THREE IN A ROW FOR JACK Cullen makes it a trio of Henshaw in a scheduled four scored for Mr Kirkpatrick. FULL RESULTS successive stoppage wins refereed by trialist Jamie Kirkpatrick. Mr Lyson awarded 40-36 victories Floored and cut below the left eye, to Wigan pair Andrew Fleming Jack Cullen (161 1/4lbs), 9-0 (3), w rsf 4 Alistair the towel came in as Chambers and Casey Connelly against Hyde’s Warren (161 1/4lbs), 10-18-4 (4); Mickey Ellison BOLTON swarmed forward at 2-33. Dale Arrowsmith and Lithuanian (171 3/4lbs), 5-1 (1), w pts 6 Raimonds Sniedze FEBRUARY 24 Mr Kirkpatrick also officiated a six Vaidas Balciauskas respectively. Mr (171lbs 5oz), 12-37-2 (8); Marc Leach (119 between Blackburn’s Shakeeb Ali Sarginson did likewise in rewarding 1/2lbs), 10-1 (2), w pts 6 Dmitrijs Gutmans (135lbs), 4-26-2 (4); (135 1/4lbs), ★★★ Shakeeb Ali WHOLE SHOW and Kingsteignton’s Jamie Speight. Leigh duo Adam Ridge and 8-0 (3), w pts 6 Jamie Speight (134 1/2lbs), Mark Lyson – scoring from ringside Kyle Lomotey shutout wins over 15-20 (2); James Moorcroft (151lbs 3oz), 5-0 JACK CULLEN from nearby Little – saw Ali a 60-54 winner. Mr Lyson Nuneaton’s Kristian Laight and (1), w pts 6 Danny Little (154 1/4lbs), 7-40-2 Lever halted Huddersfield’s Alistair himself took charge of another Lydney’s Lewis van Poetsch. (1); Damian Chambers (196 3/4lbs), 3-0 (1), w Warren at Bolton Whites Hotel (VIP shutout six between Darwen’s Barrow’s Callum Pearson edged rsf 1 Russ Henshaw (198lbs 1oz), 7-9 (2); Kyle Promotions). Having been sent to victorious Mickey Ellison and Birmingham’s Myles Vale by just Lomotey (163lbs 7oz), 3-0, w pts 4 Lewis van Poetsch (171lbs 5oz), 7-61-1 (1); Casey Connelly his knees by a right-left to the body Latvia’s Raimonds Sniedze. a single point, with Mr Sarginson (179lbs 9oz), 2-0, w pts 4 Vaidas Balciauskas and with a seemingly injured right Salford’s Marc Leach proved too scoring 39-38 from for Mr Kirkpatrick. (171 3/4lbs), 3-12 (2); Andrew Fleming (147 shoulder, Warren’s corner threw in much for Latvian Dmitrijs Gutmans, 1/4lbs), 3-0, w pts 4 Dale Arrowsmith (148lbs the towel. Referee Darren Sarginson referee Sarginson’s card reading 60-53 THE VERDICT Cullen now has 9oz), 1-13 (1); Adam Ridge (143lbs 5oz), 3-0, w waved it off at 2-48 of the fourth. in Leach’s favour. Wigan’s James his eyes on the £25,000 Last pts 4 Kristian Laight (142lbs 14oz), 12-265-8; Dukinfield’s Damian Chambers Moorcroft beat Driffield’s Danny Man Standing tournament in Callum Pearson (147lbs 11oz), 3-1, w pts 4 Myles Vale (145 1/2lbs), 0-3. made short work of Ilkeston’s Russ Little, 60-54 from Mr Sarginson, who Dublin this week (March 3).

38 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

GIDNEY MILLS HAS HAT-TRICK EDGES IT THE SKILLS FOR TRAYNOR Roy Kelly sees returning southpaw Rising prospect pleases his ‘Trayn-Wreck’ becomes a three-weight pip McCormack on points home fans with another triumph Scottish champion with latest victory

DUNSTON DERBY FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 24

★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★ ATMOSPHERE HIGHLY rated Myron Mills scored a LOCAL favourite Darren Traynor, fresh SHORT and sweet, but with an explosive hometown success at Derby County FC’s Pride from a spell training with the Walsh brothers ending. That was the story of this three-bout Park stadium on this Mitchell Promotions in Tenerife, claimed the spoils at the Double show from Steve Wraith, where Paul Gidney show. Mills claimed a stoppage victory Tree by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel. He returned after a two-year absence. Gidney 77 seconds shy of the end of a scheduled secured a seventh-round stoppage victory squeezed past Glasgow’s Scott McCormack four refereed by Shaun Messer. The usually over old amateur rival Eddie Doyle and in on a desperately close after six durable Nicaraguan Eligio Palacios was Mills’ so doing relieved the Glenboig man of the ferociously contested rounds at the Lancastrian opponent. Scottish Area super-lightweight title. Suite. The South Shields southpaw took a long There was an inside-the-distance victory too Traynor, previously Scottish champion at break from the sport for a more important for ’s hard-hitting Corey Jackson. both lightweight and featherweight, didn’t fight, as his young daughter, Poppy, battled He put paid to the hopes of stocky three-fight have things all his own way, however. Having and beat cancer. Birmingham novice Jarrett Doherty who, in conceded the first two sessions and boxing Not surprisingly, Gidney came out firing another scheduled four, was counted out by with a rapidly closing eye, he duly found as he looked to make up for lost time, going Mr Messer with 38 seconds of the third round himself on the canvas in the third. Undeterred, primarily for the body. McCormack responded remaining. he pressed on and by the fifth round, and with aggressively in a close-fought second, getting A third four-rounder overseen by Mr Doyle now nursing cuts above both eyes, he on the front foot, as he did again to win Messer saw Dan Cooper of Ruskington have was starting to pick up the pace. round three. Gidney’s greater accuracy on his arm raised. A 40-35 victory was his reward Darren was cut too, quite badly over the the back foot took the fourth, but back came at the conclusion of a bout against towering right optic, but he dug in, dropped Doyle in McCormack with a remorseless effort in the Lithuanian Imantas Davidaitis, a veritable the seventh and forced the finish at 1-37. fifth. The super- slugged it out giant at 6ft 8 1/2ins who is a regular visitor to There was a stoppage win too for Macduff’s in an epic last three minutes, with referee Ron the UK. unbeaten Billy Stuart who, in his fifth paid Kearney marking it 58-57 to Gidney. Three further contests – all of them four- outing, proved too strong for tenacious McCormack’s coach claimed his man was rounders and all refereed by Kevin Parker Liverpudlian Ricky Starkey. Stuart banked his “robbed”, but this was no robbery, just a – proved one-sided affairs, with not a single second successive inside-the-distance victory, brilliant fight with two or three of the rounds round dropped by a home fighter along the the end coming in the fifth of a scheduled six. desperately difficult to score. Your BN reporter way. Two remaining six-rounders ran their could not separate the pair. Derby pair Alex Fearon and Harry full course. Glasgow’s Shaun McShane, in Gidney’s South Shields teammate and fellow Scarff took every session in their respective his second appearance of the year, claimed super-bantam, Sam Menzies, opened the bouts against Islington’s Jordan Grannum a 59-57 triumph over Wick’s previously show superbly with a 40-36 debut success and Nigeria-born Eric Nwanko, who boxes undefeated Liall Mackenzie. Meanwhile, from Mr Kearney over Westbrook’s Ricky under the name Eric Israel. Meanwhile, Ryan Aberdeen’s Kristen Fraser made it three out Leach. Stevenson from Armthorpe shared a single of three when she shut out Malta’s Claire Darlington welterweight Ellis Corrie round in handing Stourbridge veteran Kevin Ciantar by 60-54. doubled his win tally with a comfortable 40-37 McCauley his 161st pro defeat. victory over Mike Castell. The Hyde fighter THE VERDICT A proud achievement for was awarded a share of the last from Mr THE VERDICT Mills is one to keep an Traynor, who has a special affiliation Kearney. eye on – it will be interesting to see with the Scottish title. how his career progresses. THE VERDICT Gidney-McCormack must FULL RESULTS go again, hopefully over a longer FULL RESULTS distance. Darren Traynor (139lbs), 15-2 (7), w rsf 7 Eddie Doyle Myron Mills (144lbs), 11-0 (5), w rsf 4 Eligio (140lbs), 19-5 (3); Billy Stuart (122lbs), 5-0 (2), Palacios (140lbs), 7-28-5; Alex Fearon (159lbs 6oz), FULL RESULTS w rsf 5 Ricky Starkey (125 1/2lbs), 2-5-2; Kristen 5-0, w pts 4 Jordan Grannum (157 3/4lbs), 2-20; Fraser (122lbs), 3-0, w pts 6 Claire Ciantar (125lbs), Paul Gidney (124lbs), 3-0, w pts 6 Scott McCormack Harry Scarff (164 1/4lbs), 3-0, w pts 4 Eric Nwanko 2-3; Shaun McShane (143lbs), 7-4-1, w pts 6 Liall (124lbs), 5-5-1; Sam Menzies (125lbs), 1-0, w pts 4 (161lbs 14oz), 1-1 (1); Corey Jackson (171lbs 10oz), Mackenzie (143 1/2lbs), 2-1. Ricky Leach (125lbs), 3-26-1; Ellis Corrie (156lbs), 2-0, 6-2 (3), w ko 3 Jarrett Doherty (171lbs 2oz), 1-2; Ryan w pts 4 Mike Castell (156lbs), 0-7. Stevenson (149lbs 10oz), 3-0, w pts 4 Kevin McCauley (157 1/4lbs), 15-161-12; Dan Cooper (198lbs 10oz), 7-0-1 (2), w pts 4 Imantas Davidaitis (192lbs 10oz), 6-27-1 (4).

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 39 RANKINGS

HEAVYWEIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT SUPER-FLYWEIGHT over 200lbs/14st 4lbs 160lbs/11st 6lbs 135lbs/9st 9lbs 115lbs/8st 3lbs 1. ANTHONY JOSHUA 20-0 (ENG) 1. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 37-0-1 (KAZ) 1. JORGE LINARES 44-3 (VEN) 1. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 45-4-1 (THA) [above] 2. DEONTAY WILDER 39-0 (USA) 2. CANELO ALVAREZ 49-1-2 (MEX) 2. TERRY FLANAGAN 33-0 (ENG) 2. 15-0 (JPN) 3. KUBRAT PULEV 25-1 (BGR) 3. BILLY JOE SAUNDERS 26-0 (ENG) 3. ROBERT EASTER JNR 21-0 (USA) 3. ROMAN GONZALEZ 46-2 (NIC) 4. JOSEPH PARKER 23-0 (NZL) 4. DANIEL JACOBS 33-2 (USA) 4. 17-2 (ENG) 4. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA 36-3 (MEX) 5. HUGHIE FURY 20-1 (ENG) 5. DAVID LEMIEUX 38-4 (CAN) 5. ANTHONY CROLLA 32-6-3 (ENG) 5. McWILLIAMS ARROYO 17-3 (PRI) 6. CARLOS TAKAM 35-4-1 (CMR) 6. JERMALL CHARLO 26-0 (USA) 6. DEJAN ZLATICANIN 23-1 (MNE) 6. CARLOS CUADRAS 36-3-1 (MEX) 7. TONY BELLEW 29-2-1 (ENG) 7. RYOTA MURATA 13-1 (JPN) 7. YVAN MENDY 40-4-1 (FRA) 7. KAL YAFAI 23-0 (ENG) 8. DILLIAN WHYTE 22-1 (ENG) 8. WILLIE MONROE JNR 21-3 (USA) 8. RAYMUNDO BELTRAN 35-7-1 (MEX) 8. 22-0 (CHN) 9. DOMINIC BREAZEALE 19-1 (USA) 9. SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO 11-0 (UKR) 9. RICHARD COMMEY 25-2 (GHA) 9. JERWIN ANCAJAS 29-1-1 (PHL) 10. JARRELL MILLER 20-0-1 (USA) 10. HUGO CENTENO JNR 26-1 (USA) 10. FELIX VERDEJO 23-0 (PRI) 10. KOHEI KONO 33-11-1 (JPN)

CRUISERWEIGHT SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT FLYWEIGHT 200lbs/14st 4lbs 154lbs/11st 130lbs/9st 4lbs 112lbs/8st 1. 14-0 (UKR) 1. ERISLANDY LARA 25-2-2 (CUB) 1. 10-1 (UKR) 1. 22-1 (JPN) 2. 26-0 (RUS) 2. JERMELL CHARLO 30-0 (USA) 2. ALBERTO MACHADO 19-0 (PRI) 2. DAIGO HIGA 15-0 (JPN) 3. MAIRIS BRIEDIS 23-1 (LVA) 3. SADAM ALI 26-1 (USA) 3. JEZREEL CORRALES 22-2 (PAN) 3. DONNIE NIETES 41-1-4 (PHL) 4. KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI 29-1 (POL) 4. JARRETT HURD 21-0 (USA) 4. MIGUEL BERCHELT 33-1 (MEX) 4. JUAN HERNANDEZ NAVARRETE 34-3 (MEX) 5. DENIS LEBEDEV 30-3 (RUS) 5. LIAM SMITH 26-1-1 (ENG) 5. FRANCISCO VARGAS 24-1-2 (MEX) 5. SHO KIMURA 16-1-2 (JPN) 6. KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 54-4-1 (POL) 6. LIAM WILLIAMS 16-2-1 (WAL) 6. GERVONTA DAVIS 19-0 (USA) 6. ARTEM DALAKIAN 16-0 (UKR) 7. FIRAT ARSLAN 41-8-2 (GER) 7. BRIAN CARLOS CASTANO 14-0 (ARG) 7. ROBINSON CASTELLANOS 24-13 (MEX) 7. 39-4 (ARG) 8. 21-2 (COD) 8. MACIEJ SULECKI 26-0 (POL) 8. 28-2 (CUB) 8. MORUTI MTHALANE 35-2 (RSA) 9. MAKSIM VLASOV 42-2 (RUS) 9. JULIAN WILLIAMS 24-1-1 (USA) 9. JASON SOSA 20-3-4 (USA) 9. YODMONGKOL VOR SAENGTHEP 49-3 (THA) 10. YUNIER DORTICOS 22-1 (CUB) 10. TERRELL GAUSHA 20-1 (USA) 10. KENICHI OGAWA 23-1 (JPN) 10. VINCENT LEGRAND 26-0 (FRA)

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT WELTERWEIGHT FEATHERWEIGHT LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT 175lbs/12st 7lbs 147lbs/10st 7lbs 126lbs/9st 108lbs/7st 10lbs 1. SERGEY KOVALEV 31-2-1 (RUS) 1. KEITH THURMAN 28-0 (USA) 1. GARY RUSSELL JNR 28-1 (USA) 1. KEN SHIRO 12-0 (JPN) 2. ADONIS STEVENSON 29-1 (CAN) 2. ERROL SPENCE JNR 23-0 (USA) 2. LEO SANTA CRUZ 34-1-1 (MEX) 2. GANIGAN LOPEZ 28-7 (MEX) 3. ELEIDER ALVAREZ 23-0 (COL) 3. KELL BROOK 36-2 (ENG) 3. CARL FRAMPTON 24-1 (NIR) 3. PEDRO GUEVARA 30-3-1 (MEX) 4. BADOU JACK 22-1-2 (SWE) 4. JEFF HORN 18-0-1 (AUS) 4. LEE SELBY 26-1 (WAL) 4. 27-2-2 (JPN) 5. 12-0 (RUS) 5. MANNY PACQUIAO 59-7-2 (PHL) 5. 31-2-1 (MEX) [above] 5. 37-3 (PHL) 6. 21-1 (CUB) 6. SHAWN PORTER 28-2-1 (USA) 6. OSCAR VALDEZ 23-0 (MEX) 6. KOSEI TANAKA 10-0 (JPN) 7. JOE SMITH JNR 23-2 (USA) 7. DANNY GARCIA 34-1 (USA) 7. JOSEPH DIAZ 26-0 (USA) 7. JESSE ESPINAS 18-2 (PHL) 8. 14-0 (UKR) 8. 28-2 (USA) 8. JESUS M ROJAS 26-1-2 (PRI) 8. RANDY PETALCORIN 28-2-1 (PHL) 9. IGOR MIKHALKIN 21-1 (RUS) 9. LUCAS MATTHYSSE 39-4 (ARG) 9. LERATO DLAMINI 10-1 (RSA) 9. FELIX ALVARADO 31-2 (NIC) 10. 12-0 (RUS) 10. EGIDIJUS KAVALIAUSKAS 19-0 (LTU) 10. JOSH WARRINGTON 26-0 (ENG) 10. 31-3 (RSA)

SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT STRAWWEIGHT 168lbs/12st 140lbs/10st 122lbs/8st 10lbs 105lbs/7st 7lbs 1. GEORGE GROVES 28-3 (ENG) 1. TERENCE CRAWFORD 32-0 (USA) 1. 25-0 (USA) 1. KNOCKOUT CP FRESHMART 16-0 (THA) 2. GILBERTO RAMIREZ 37-0 (MEX) 2. MIKEY GARCIA 37-0 (USA) 2. 31-0 (MEX) 2. BYRON ROJAS 24-3-3 (NIC) 3. CALEB TRUAX 29-3-2 (USA) 3. VIKTOR POSTOL 29-1 (UKR) 3. MOISES FLORES 25-0 (MEX) 3. 49-0 (THA) 4. JAMES DeGALE 23-2-1 (ENG) 4. 22-1 (NAM) 4. 24-2 (JPN) 4. HIROTO KYOGUCHI 9-0 (JPN) 5. ANTHONY DIRRELL 31-1-1 (USA) 5. ANTONIO OROZCO 26-0 (MEX) 5. 23-2-1 (USA) 5. 20-4-1 (MEX) 6. ANDRE DIRRELL 26-2 (USA) 6. RANCES BARTHELEMY 26-0 (CUB) 6. ISAAC DOGBOE 18-0 (GHA) 6. SIMPHIWE KHONCO 18-5 (RSA) 7. CALLUM SMITH 24-0 (ENG) [above] 7. SERGEY LIPINETS 13-0 (RUS) [above] 7. DIEGO DE LA HOYA 20-0 (MEX) 7. LEROY ESTRADA 16-2 (PAN) 8. CHRIS EUBANK JNR 26-2 (ENG) 8. JOHN MOLINA JNR 30-7 (USA) 8. 32-2 (MEX) 8. 15-2 (JPN) 9. DAVID BENAVIDEZ 20-0 (USA) 9. REGIS PROGRAIS 20-0 (USA) 9. PAULUS AMBUNDA 26-2 (NAM) 9. JOEY CANOY 14-3-1 (PHL) 10. TYRON ZEUGE 21-0-1 (GER) 10. ADRIEN BRONER 33-3 (USA) 10. LODUMO LAMATI 13-0-1 (RSA) 10. CHAOZHONG XIONG 27-7-1 (CHN)

BANTAMWEIGHT POUND-FOR-POUND 118lbs/8st 6lbs The best of the best l If a fighter has been inactive for over a year, he will be removed from 1. 25-0 (MEX) 1. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 37-0-1 (KAZ) the rankings, unless he has a fight officially scheduled. Once removed 2. 27-1-2 (JPN) 2. VASYL LOMACHENKO 10-1 (UKR) due to inactivity, a fighter cannot be reinstated until he has fought again. 3. 18-0 (NIR) 3. CANELO ALVAREZ 49-1-2 (MEX) 4. ZHANAT ZHAKIYANOV 27-2 (KAZ) 4. TERENCE CRAWFORD 32-0 (USA) l Each fighter is ranked on the results they have achieved in their own 5. 19-1 (DOM) 5. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 45-4-1 (THA) specific weight division (excluding the pound-for-pound list). 6. JAMIE McDONNELL 29-2-1 (ENG) 6. MIKEY GARCIA 37-0 (USA) 7. MARLON TAPALES 30-2 (PHL) 7. LEO SANTA CRUZ 34-1-1 (MEX) l Each fighter is ranked in the weight division in which their most recent 8. ZOLANI TETE 26-3 (RSA) 8. KEITH THURMAN 28-0 (USA) significant fight took place. With regards to catchweight fights, common 9. LEE HASKINS 35-4 (ENG) 9. JORGE LINARES 44-3 (VEN) sense will (hopefully) prevail. 10. 26-1 (ENG) 10. NAOYA INOUE 15-0 (JPN)

40 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net DIARY

MARCH v Sylwia Maksym. (Promoter: Bateson Deion Jumah v Kristian Kirilov; Chris Richardson Hitchins v Charles Stanford; THURSDAY 1 Promotions). Davies v Tsvetozar Iliev; Harlem Eubank Alicia Napoleon v Femke Hermans (vacant Kokugikan, , Japan v Angel Emilov; Ramez Mahmood v WBA female super-middleweight title). Luis Nery (holder) v Shinsuke Yamanaka SATURDAY 3 Aleksandrs Birkenbergs; Duane Sinclair v (Promoter: DiBella Entertainment & TGB (WBC bantamweight title); Ryosuke Sheffield Arena (Sky Sports Action/ s/o; Sean Robinson v William Warburton; Promotions). Iwasa (holder) v Ernesto Saulong (IBF Main Event) Jack Hughes v Gary Reeve; Yaser Al Ghena super-bantamweight title); Takahiro Kell Brook v Sergey Rabchenko; Gamal v Dale Arrowsmith; Brandon Ball v Jamie Madison Square Garden Theater, Ao v Gamaliel Diaz. (Promoter: Teiken Yafai v Gavin McDonnell; Lenroy Thomas Speight; Ellis Zorro v Toni Bilic; Mitchell New York (BoxNation & HBO) Promotions). (holder) v Dave Allen (Commonwealth Preedy v Scott Hillman; Adrian Redman Sergey Kovalev (holder) v Igor Mikhalkin heavyweight title); v Irving v Lewis van Poetsch; Jerome Campbell v (WBO light-heavyweight title); Dmitry FRIDAY 2 Berry; Lee Appleyard v Atif Shafiq; Luke Fash; Fuad Fufu v Jules Phillips; Sam Bivol (holder) v Sullivan Barrera (WBA , Sam Eggington v s/o; Rocky Fielding v s/o; Cantwell v Georgi Andonov; Nathanael light-heavyweight title); Bakhram v (vacant v s/o. (Promoter: Matchroom). Wilson v s/o; Bradley Spencer v Callum Murtazaliev v Kenneth McNeil; Vaughn English bantamweight title); Sheldon Ide. (Promoter: Smith Sports). Alexander v Jaime Solorio; Frank Galarza Purdy v Isaac Quaye; Kyle Haywood v Jan SSE Hydro, Glasgow (Channel 5) v Ed Paredes; Cassius Chaney v Tim Balog; CJ Challenger v Arvydas Trizno; Josh Taylor v Winston Campos; Audley Sports and Community Centre, Washington. (Promoter: Main Events). Connor Ireson v Liam Richards; Joe Jason Easton (holder) v Glenn Foot Blackburn Ducker v Youssef Al Hamidi; Shane De (Commonwealth super-lightweight title); Alex McCloy v Andrei Hramyka; Luke Banquet Masters, Clearwater, Florida Hayes v Zaurs Sadihovs; Nina Bradley v v Myriam Dellal; Blackledge v s/o; Mohammed Rashad v Jnr v Carlos Dixon. Katarina Vistica. (Promoter: Carl Greaves v Ryan Collins (vacant Celtic Rudolf Durica; Omar Dusary v Reynaldo (Promoter: Fire Fist Boxing Promotions). Promotions). lightweight title); Martin Bakole Ilunga v Cajina; Shakeeb Ali v Innocent Anyanwu; s/o; Lee McGregor v Scott Allan; Joe Ham Ashley Doveston v s/o. (Promoter: Frank Coliseo Mario 'Quijote' Morales, Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester v s/o; Iain Trotter v Marc Kerr. (Promoter: Duffin). Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Matthew Ryan (holder) v Dale Coyne Cyclone Promotions). Juan Manuel Lopez v Jayson Velez. (Central Area middleweight title); Denton Town Hall, Walsall (Promoter: Universal Promotion). Vassell v Evaldas Korsakas; Jazza Dickens Brentwood Centre Danny Ball v Danny Little; Stewart Davies v v s/o; v Saidou Sall; Craig Matt McCarthy (holder) v Billy Bird Myles Vale; Alex Florence v Chris Adaway; Sartory Saale, Cologne, Germany Glover v Florians Strupits; Brandon Daord (Southern Area super-welterweight title); Antony Woollery v s/o; Humza Ali v s/o; Avni Yildirim v Derek Edwards. (Promoter: v s/o; Diego Costa v Norbert Szekeres; Nick Richie Gray v s/o; Ben Hall v s/o; Freddie Levi Ferguson v s/o; Gareth Gardner v s/o; Arena Box-Promotion). Ball v s/o; Meshech Speare v s/o; Dean Turner v s/o; Larry Ekundayo v s/o; Damien Kiwior v s/o. (Promoter: Black Laing v Michal Ciach; Stacey Copeland Tey Lynn Jones v s/o; Davis Pagan v s/o; Country Boxing Promotion). Stadthalle, Weissenfels, Germany v Dora Tollar. (Promoter: Black Flash Adam Salman v s/o; Aarron Morgan v s/o; Dominic Boesel v Serhiy Demchenko Promotions). Gary Sweeney v s/o; Dan Azeez v s/o; MECA, Swindon (vacant European light-heavyweight title); Lewis Smith v s/o; Georgii Bacon v s/o; Luke Watkins v s/o; Sam Smith v s/o; Adam Deines v Stefan Haertel. (Promoter: York Hall, Bethnal Green Kaan Hawes v s/o; Liam Desmond v s/o; Harry Webb v s/o; Bec Connolly v s/o. SES Sports Events GmbH). Charlie Duffield v Chris Nixon; Charlie Mikey Sakyi v s/o; Shaquille Day v s/o. Driscoll v s/o; v s/o; (Promoter: Johnney Roye). Leisure Centre Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Harley Benn v Gary Cooper; Alfie Price v Andy Kremner v s/o; Jake Bulger v s/o; South Africa (BoxNation) Andy Harris; DP Carr v Paul Holt; Sanjeev Camden Centre, Kings Cross Dylan Evans v s/o; Kane Gardner v s/o; Kevin Lerena v Dmytro Kucher; Thulani Sahota v s/o; Zak Chelli v s/o; Jake Pettitt Louis Greene (holder) v Joe Hayes Jack Kilgannon v s/o; Joe Eko v s/o; Ely Mbenge v Diego Cruz; DeeJay Kriel v v s/o; Tony Vincent v s/o. (Promoter: (Southern Area welterweight title); Billy Murphy v s/o; Kieran Jones v s/o; Charlie Xolisa Magusha. (Promoter: Golden Gloves Queensberry Promotions). Allington v Rhys Saunders; Ryan Maycock Schofield v s/o; Danny Wright v s/o. Promotions). v Jordan Grannum; Jimmy Smith v Robert (Promoter: VIP Promotions). Cheese and Grain Hall, Frome Studzinski; Denzel Bentley v Ashley TUESDAY 6 Ryan Wheeler v Jon Martinez; Anthony Bailey Dumetz; Peter Mirga v Alec Bazza; National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland Chonburi, Thailand Fox v Darryl Sharp; Liam Hunt v Nathan Mohammed Karimzadeh v Danny Shannon; (TG4) Knockout CP Freshmart (holder) v Halton. (Promoter: Sanigar Events). Taran Willet v Rhys Kaney; Sam Horsfall Craig O'Brien v Jay Byrne (vacant Irish (WBA strawweight title). v Casey Blair; Jonny Phillips v Naheem super-welterweight title); Victor Rabei v Leeds United FC Banqueting Suite, Chaudhry; Derrick Osaze v Dan Ballard; Mark Morris; Dylan Moran v Gyula Rozsas; THURSDAY 8 Elland Road Cherrelle Brown v Monika Antonik. Dylan McDonagh v Leonard Rafael; Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Jack Bateson v Jose Aguilar; Mick (Promoter: British Warrior Boxing Cillian Reardon v Richard Hegyi; Paddy Kayoko Ebata (holder) v Ji Hyun Park Learmonth v Remigijus Ziausys; Billy Promotion). McDonagh v Istvan Orsos; Max Wicks v (WBO female strawweight title); Chaoz Pickles v Fonz Alexander; Terry Broadbent Ladislav Nemeth; Israel Duffus v Attila Minowa v (vacant WBO v Simas Volosinas; Mike Ash v Sean Hare; York Hall, Bethnal Green Orsos; Last Man Standing: Chris Blaney v female light-flyweight title). Kyle Scully v Jamie Quinn; Sam 'SJ' Smith Robert Asagba v Justin Menzie; s/o; Roy Sheehan v s/o; Gerard Healy v s/o; Nick Quigley v s/o; Vladimir Belujsky FRIDAY 9 v s/o; JJ McDonagh v s/o; Jack Cullen v O2 Academy, Bournemouth BOXING ON THE BOX s/o. (Promoter: Red Corner Promotions & MH Legg v Tey Lynn Jones (vacant Assassin Promotions Ireland). Southern Area middleweight title); Chris Billam Smith v s/o; Tommy Watson v FRIDAY 2 7.30pm Sky Sports SUNDAY 4 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York s/o; Dean Dodge v s/o; Ross Noriega v 8pm BoxNation Action/Main Event 2am Sky Sports (Sky Sports Action/Main Event & s/o. (Promoter: British Warrior Boxing LIVE WSB: British LIVE Kell Brook v Action/Main Event Lionhearts v Italia Sergey Rabchenko LIVE Deontay Wilder v Showtime) Promotion). Thunder Luis Ortiz Deontay Wilder (holder) v Luis Ortiz 10pm Channel 5 (WBC heavyweight title); Andre Dirrell v The Deco, Northampton SATURDAY 3 LIVE Josh Taylor v 2am BoxNation Jose Uzcategui; Sergiy Derevyanchenko Kieron Conway v Chris Monaghan; Dominic 5.30pm BoxNation Winston Campos LIVE Sergey Kovalev v v Dashon Johnson; Willie Monroe Jnr v Felix v s/o; Curtis Felix Jnr v s/o; Nathan LIVE Kevin Lerena v Igor Mikhalkin Carlos Galvan; Charles Martin v Curtis Reeve v s/o; Conroy Downer v s/o; Connor Dmytro Kucher Harper; Patrick Day v Kyrone Davis; Gary Parker v s/o. (Promoter: Black Country Antuanne Russell v Demetrius Wilson; Boxing Promotion).

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 41 AMATEURS

The very best action, previews and news from Olympic-style boxing AMATEURSCENE With JOHN DENNEN | @BoxingNewsJD SEND us your club's news, results or upcoming events to [email protected] or 020 7618 3478

Photo: DAVID FITZGERALD/SPORTSFILE Walsh and Molloy pick up the Best Boxer JUMP FOR JOY: Walsh gets the Awards at Ireland’s Elite decision and the prize for championships, writes best boxer John Dennen

THE finals of the Irish national Elite championships took place at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday (February 24). It was the conclusion of a tournament which began with its preliminary stages on February 9, proceeding with quarter and semi-finals from February 16-17. Welterweight Grainne Walsh defeated Ciara Ginty, a former World Junior gold and Olympic Youth silver medallist, unanimously in their final and won the first Jimmy Magee Best Female Boxer Award. The prize for best male boxer also went to the welterweight champion. Kieran Molloy unanimously outscored Eugene McKeever in their 69kgs final. “What an amazing night. I’ve dreamt of this since I was a small kid,” Molloy said. “Unreal.” At middleweight Michael Nevin beat Brett McGinty in an exciting bout, winning his first Elite title in his first tournament at this level. RESULTS Finals: 48: Shannon Sweeney (St. Annes) outpd Carol Coughlan (Monkstown Dublin) split. 49: Conor Jordan (St Aidans) outpd Ricky Nesbitt (Carrickmacross) split. 51: Ceire Smith (Virginia/ DCU) outpd Niamh Early (Ryston) unan. 52: Conor Quinn (Clonard Antrim) W/O. 54: Lauren Hogan (St Brigids Edenderry) outpd Amanda Loughlin (St Michaels Dublin) unan. 56: Evan Metcalfe (Hyland Academy) outpd Thomas McCarthy NATIONAL HEROES (Setanta) split. 57: Michaela Walsh (Monkstown Antrim) outpd Dervla Duffy (Mulhuddart) Coughlan (Monkstown D) outpd Megan Doyle Kennedy (St Marys Daingean) outpd Karol Blugosz Prelims: 56: Evan Metcalfe (Hyland Academy) unan. 60: Kellie Harrington (St Marys Dublin) (Whitechurch) split. 56: Evan Metcalfe (Hyland (Scorpion) split, Caomhin Hynes (Holy Trinity) outpd Adam Courtney (St Marys Dublin) unan, outpd Amy Broadhurst (Dealgan) unan, George Academy) outpd Myles Casey (St Francis) split, outpd Anthony Browne (St Michaels Dub) split. Thomas McCarthy (Setanta) W/O, Christian Cekiso Bates (St. Marys Dublin) outpd Francis Cleary Thomas McCarthy (Setanta) outpd Christian Cekiso 91: Kevin Sheehy (St Francis) outpd Liam Greene (Portlaoise) outpd Tommy Casey (St Francis) unan. (Ballina) unan. 64: Wayne Kelly (Portlaoise) (Portlaoise) split. 57: Dervla Duffy (Mulhuddart) (South Meath) split, Kiril Afanasev (Smithfield) 60: Patrick Mongan (Olympic Galway) outpd Dillon outpd Caoimhin Ferguson (Clonard Antrim) unan, stpd Ashley McCullough (Albert Foundry) 2nd, stpd Jason Barron (Holy Trinity) 3rd. 91&: Dean Duffy (Pegasus) split, George Bates (St Marys Joanne Lambe (Carrickmacross) W/O. 69: Grainne Michaela Walsh (Monkstown A) W/O. 60: George Gardiner (Clonmel) outpd Patrick Nevin (St Dublin) outpd Shane Flavin (Paulstown) unan, Walsh (Sparticus) outpd Ciara Ginty (Geesala) Bates (St Marys Dublin) outpd Patrick Mongan Michaels Dub) unan, Martin Keenan (Rathkeale) Francis Cleary (Ballina) outpd Sean Duffy (Holy unan, Kieran Molloy (Oughterard) outpd Eugene (Olympic) split, Francis Cleary (Ballina) outpd outpd John McDonnell (Crumlin) unan. Trinity) unan, Adam Kelly (Portlaoise) W/O. 64: McKeever (Holy Family Drogheda) unan. 75: Adam Kelly (Portlaoise) unan. 64: Wayne Kelly Quarter-finals: 69: Ciara Sheedy (Ardnaree) outpd Wayne Kelly (Portlaoise) outpd Matthew McCole Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) outpd Brett McGinty (Portlaoise) outpd Keith Flavin (Paulstown) unan, Connie Vaughan (Duhallow) split. 75: Kelyn Cassidy (Dungloe) unan. 69: Kieran Molloy (Oughterard) (Oakleaf) split, Aoife Burke (St Marys Dublin) W/O. Caoimhin Ferguson (Clonard A) outpd Colm Quinn (Saviours Crystal) outpd Peter Carr (Crumlin) outpd Fergal Redmond (Arklow) unan, Eugene 81: Caoimhin Hynes (Holy Trinity) outpd Brian (Castlebar) unan. 69: Kieran Molloy (Oughterard) unan, Brett McGinty (Oakleaf) outpd Glory Carlos McKeever (Holy Family D) outpd Michael Hennessy Kennedy (St Marys Daingean) split, Aoife O’Rourke outpd Dean Walsh (St Ibars) split, Eugene Imuala (Maynooth) unan, Gerard French (Clonard (St Monica’s) unan, Tony McGlynn (Crumlin) (Castlerea) W/O. 81&: Nell Fox (Rathkeale) outpd McKeever (Holy Family D) outpd Tony McGlynn Antrim) stpd John Maughan (St Marys Dublin) 2nd, outpd David Barrett (Rylane) split. 91&: Martin Lisa Browne (Aglish) unan. 91: Kiril Afansev (Crumlin) unan, Grainne Walsh (Sparticus) Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) outpd David Biscevas Keenan (Rathkeale) outpd Geoffrey Kavanagh (Smithfield) outpd Kevin Sheehy (St Francis) outpd Ciara Sheedy (Ardnaree) unan, Ciara Ginty (St Saviours OBA) unan. 81: Brian Kennedy (St (Glasnevin) split, John McDonnell (Crumlin) outpd unan. 91&: Dean Gardiner (Clonmel) outpd Martin (Geesala) outpd Gillian Duffy (Bray) split. 75: Brett Marys Daingean) outpd Robert Burke (Glasnevin) Antoine Griffin (Celtic Eagles) split, Patrick Nevin Keenan (Rathkeale) unan. McGinty (Oakleaf) outpd Kelyn Cassidy (Saviours split, Anthony Browne (St Michaels Dub) outpd (St Michaels Dub) outpd Konstantin Popovcuic Semi-finals: 48: Shannon Sweeney (St Annes) Crystal) split, Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) outpd Davit Tsotsoria (Illies GG) unan. 91: Kevin Sheehy (Crumlin) split, Dean Gardiner (Clonmel) outpd outpd Courtney Daly (Crumlin) unan, Carol Gerard French (Clonard, Antrim) unan. 81: Brian (St Francis) W/O. Thomas Carthy (Glasnevin) unan.

42 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net AMATEURS

THE HOMECOMING Photo: BRITISH LIONHEARTS Peter McGrail and the so I reckon they are going to love British Lionhearts in WSB. My preparations are going LIVERPOOL: well and I can’t wait for March 2,” McGrail, action in Liverpool McGrail said. “WSB is much more Britain’s like professional boxing with more standout amateur of rounds and all of the extra bits of 2017, will box THE British Lionhearts have their the show, like the ringwalk and on Merseyside third team match in this season’s the weigh-in the day before. The on Friday matches feature five good quality (March 2) in Liverpool at The bouts between top-class boxers Auditorium at the Echo Arena. so it’s not like some pro show Liverpool has hosted the national undercards where you know who Elite finals in recent years but this will is going to win the fight before the be the first WSB event in the city. boxers get in the ring.” The WSB pits five top level Ben Whittaker, a rising star amateurs against a rival team on the GB team, fresh off winning over the course of five five-round boxer of the tournament at the pro style contests. The Lionhearts Bocskai tournament in Hungary, will are taking on Italia Thunder in box at middleweight, while at light- Liverpool, typically a high quality welterweight Luke McCormack side. The British franchise lost their will be looking to maintain his good opening match in Paris but beat form. “My twin brother, Pat, and Croatia 5-0 in . clubmate, Calum French, were in Both local hero Peter McGrail, the team for the last home match 56kgs, and Birmingham’s Galal in Gateshead so I went to watch it Yafai, 49kgs, lost their first WSB and the atmosphere was absolutely bouts this season and will want to brilliant. I am hoping it’s going to chalk up victories in the format, be the same in Liverpool. It’s great with the pressure on McGrail in that we have a local lad in the team, his hometown particularly acute. in Peter McGrail, but hopefully the He will box in Liverpool for the fans will really get behind all of the first time since winning European Lionhearts boxers and create a great gold and World bronze medals atmosphere on the night,” Luke said. in 2017. “In the last week I have Radoslav Pantaleev completes had a lot more people contact me the line up at 91kgs. about the WSB match so it seems Tickets for the British Lionhearts to be creating a real buzz now. versus Italia Thunder, priced £20, are Liverpool is a sport mad city and available at www.echoarena.com the people here know their boxing, and www.gboxing.org.uk/tickets. NO JOY FOR JACK

East London Boxing Academy’s final bout against Manny Schoolboy, 3 x 1 1/2: Luca Tracey (Chadwell St Daly loses a surprise decision Essex (Danson). Daly, a London Mary) outpd Hamza Javed (ELBA) unan; Saad Ali Development champion at 86 kgs, (ELBA) outpd Alfred Clark (Jubilee) split; Paddy looked to have made good use of Joe (ELBA) outpd Vicente Autonee (Stonebridge) Daniel Herbert his height and reach advantages unan. RINGSIDE against a gritty opponent. Junior, 3 x 2: Sonny Sheridan (Double Jab) Big-hitting Lansbury lightweight outpd Saheel Kashif (ELBA) unan; Nicholas Qato LEYTONSTONE Rahat Udin (20) took it out of the (Stonebridge) outpd Zeeshan Ali (ELBA) split; judges’ hands against Double Jab Youssaf Sheikh (Fairbairn) outpd Uzair Maqbool FEBRUARY 17 southpaw Robert Baker, forcing a (ELBA) unan; Hamza Hajee (ELBA) outpd Jake EAST LONDON BOXING ACADEMY count in the first then two more in Vilder (Jubilee) split; Hasnan Ali (ELBA) outpd staged their third open show of the the second before it was waved off. Amine Ferhat (Afewee) unan; Argem Aliaj (ELBA) season at Norlington School for An exciting junior bout saw the outpd Bilal Hamza Hussain (Stonebridge) unan. Boys and had a boxer in 11 of the hosts’ Zeeshan Ali drop a split Junior female, 3 x 2: Vivien Parsons (Afewee) 13 contests. decision to Stonebridge’s Nicholas outpd Helenne Parapliotis (Rumbles) unan. Five won, a figure that would Qato, who was cornered by his Senior, 3 x 2: Rahat Udin (Lansbury) stpd Robert have been six had Jack Daly not father, former top pro Kreshnik Baker (Double Jab) 2nd; Saqib Khan (Repton) been declared a surprising split Qato. outpd Jack Bembridge (ELBA) unan; Manny Essex CLOSE CALL: But the decision doesn’t go Daly’s way decision loser in the evening’s RESULTS (Danson) outpd Jack Daly (ELBA) split.

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 43 YESTERDAY’S HEROES

DIGGER’S TALE: Stanley’s story is simply unbelievable

THE BOXING FAMILY Some heart- BOXING people will always rally round gym twice a week – and recently we won 1974. Local hero Singleton won that warming to help their own. In November, Scottish two gold medals and one silver at the one, and next time out dethroned British examples of the EBA member John McDermott was West of Scotland Youth Championships.” champion Pat McCormack. distraught when the Blantyre Miners As an amateur, John won gold at John has also worked with pros. “I’ve fraternity’s ABC, where John is head coach, was featherwight at the 1964 Commonwealth trained boxers for [Scottish promoter] kindness destroyed by fire. To help get it rebuilt, Games in Perth, Australia. “I turned pro Tommy Gilmour,” he said. “I trained Pat SEBA are holding a fund-raising evening with Sam Burns and Jarvis Astaire, but Clinton for his [successful] WBO flyweight on June 8 at the Hutcheson Town Boxing I kept getting bad cuts,” he said. “I packed title bout [against Isidro Perez in 1992]. Club, 601 Rutherglen Road, Glasgow, it in after a few fights.” “And I trained Joe Townsley, who starting at 7.30pm. But he has stayed involved in the won the IBO Inter-Continental super- “It was an electrical fault,” John told game, and in 2004 he was awarded an welterweight title and went on to me. “The club’s been going for 47 years. MBE for services to boxing. In 2010, he challenge Adrian Stone for the full title, It was a beautiful club. Boxers from other was inducted into the Scottish Boxing and Wayne Alexander for the British belt.” clubs in Western Scotland used to come Hall of Fame. Today, as mentioned, John’s an to spar there, and they loved it. Assistant coaches at the Blantyre are enthusiastic member of the Scottish EBA. “We used to put on a couple of shows Drew McInally, who boxed for Scotland “I never miss a meeting if I can help it,” every year, and people would come Under-19s, and Jim Melrose, a pro super- he said. “I love meeting my great friend Simon from as far away as Newcastle and lightweight in the 1970s. Dick McTaggart. We’re joint Honorary Euan-Smith Birmingham. I recall covering Jim’s British title Presidents of Amateur Boxing Scotland.” EBA “Currently, O’Neills Boxing Club, about eliminator against Joey Singleton at the And SEBA are doing their bit to help correspondent three miles away, kindly let us use their famous Liverpool Stadium in September John get his club back on its feet. June

44 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net DIGGER’S SAD TALE The mysterious Y any standards the booth, he was tutored by Le Neve’s Stanley made successful title defences his short life was famous relative, the former English against Johnny Condon, Ike Bradley and and tragic unspeakably hard. champ Jem Mace. Alec Lafferty, but lost his world crown story of The story goes The earliest of Digger’s traceable bouts in France to in seven Stanley, a B that when George were in the late 1890s. In his early years, rounds. It was the only KO loss of Digger’s “Digger” Stanley was he built a formidable record comprised career and he claimed he’d been paid to traveller world a boy his father sold mostly of wins, beating such notables as take a ‘dive’. After losing and regaining his champion a him to a boxing-booth owner for a gold Owen Moran, Jim Kenrick and ex-world British crown against Bill Beynon, Stanley sovereign and a pint of beer. He was champion . Stanley also finally lost his title to Curley Walker, century before aged somewhere between 12 and 15. But laid unofficial claim to the British fly title. having won a Lonsdale Belt outright. and no one, not even Digger himself, knew In 1910, the Digger’s final years were sad ones. Billy Joe his exact age or, for that matter, where he selected Stanley to face Although he had earned was born. His birthplace was sometimes Salford’s in some big purses, his Saunders given as Kingston-on-Thames, but other a contest for the first ‘HE COULD penchant for gambling times as Norwich, Lincoln or Reading. bantamweight Lonsdale saw his ring money Stanley was a traveller (or ‘gypsy’) and Belt. Digger by then BREAK MORE quickly slip through his could not read or write. At the height was well in his 30s but fingers. By his late 30s, he of his fame, he wore a magnificent gold claimed he was 27. He RULES, MORE had damaged hands and watch, but he had to ask others to tell had given 27 as his age ARTFULLY, had shattered one of his him the time. His boxing literacy, though, for several years and thighs in a trotting-race was never in doubt. would continue to do so. THAN ALMOST accident, leaving one leg He learnt his trade on a travelling Stanley and Bowker shorter than the other. boxing booth under Billy Le Neve, the met on October 17, the ANY BOXER’ He was no longer fit to booth owner his father supposedly sold bout ending in the eighth fight but had little choice. him to. Tackling men of all weights and with Joe counted out. Bowker’s corner He had a family to support and boxing sizes, Digger not only learnt how to box claimed their man was fouled, but since a was all he knew. Rather than be KO’d by but how to employ the game’s darker doctor’s examination found no evidence younger, fitter men, Digger employed arts. “He could break more rules, more of foul play, Digger received the verdict. the roughhouse tricks he’d learnt on the artfully, than almost any other boxer This made him the first bantamweight booths. Consequently, the tail-end of his of the past few decades,” said his BN Lonsdale Belt-holder, and by virtue of record is dotted with disqualifications. Alex obituary, but he was also “a superlatively the win he claimed the world crown as Stanley died in poverty, in March Daley clever boxer and ring strategist.” well. He had two no-decision bouts in 1919, seven months after his final fight @thealexdaley With uncanny skill, speed and a hard America, was offered a lucrative string following a long illness. His age at death Historian punch in each hand, Stanley became of fights there, but instead returned was officially recorded as 42, but this was & author the star of Le Neve’s booth. Whilst with home. just an estimate.

8 is a fair way off, but I’ll be publishing country, aged just 16. Opponent was John updates as I get them. Meanwhile, any Savage, who won in the fourth round, raffle items, or boxing or other sporting Ron sustaining a bad cut over the left eye. memorabilia, will be gratefully received. And there was an interesting aftermath to You can take them along to an SEBA this bout, as Steve explained. meeting (the Iron Horse, West Nile Street, “In the changing cubicle after the Glasgow – second Sunday in the month, fight, as the doctor was treating his cut, 12.30pm) or contact SEBA Secretary Ron heard a person behind him who Janice Craig (Robert.craig2000@hotmail. was holding his head for the doctor. This co.uk). person made some great comments I love SEBA’s motto – ‘Making friends about the way Ron had fought. of former foes.’ Anyone who’s attended “It was none other than the great an EBA meeting, and seen old opponents Randolph Turpin” – former world embrace as they meet up – sometimes middleweight champion – “who was also after decades – will know exactly what at the show that night. that means. “Ron was not managed, and Randolph My mention of former heavyweight asked him to meet his old manager, and promoter Ron Gray, in a recent item George Middleton. Within a month, on the Central Midlands EBA, elicited a Ron had signed to George and moved correction from his son, Steve – now a to Leamington, where he worked and successful promoter himself. was trained by Randolph’s brother, I said Ron boxed as a pro from 1959 Jackie.” – in fact, his debut was on November 11, 1958 in Smethwick. At the time, he EMAIL [email protected] BLANTYRE BOYS: was told he was the youngest pro in the with your ex-boxer association news. McDermott [right], pictured alongside fellow coach Drew McInally

www.boxingnewsonline.net MARCH 1, 2018 l BOXING NEWS l 45 SIXTY SECONDS

JJ McDONAGH Paul Wheeler talks to the Irish Mr T

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE When and why you started boxing: ‘I ENDED UP WITH Boxing was a big part of my A DECENT PAYDAY community and family. I always wanted to get involved in it, so FOR ABOUT 90 once I was old enough my dad took me down to the gym. SECONDS OF WORK’ Favourite all-time fighter: My manager Kaz Evans and my “Prince” was always brother [two-time Irish light-heavy someone I liked watching growing champ] Paddy McDonagh. up. As I grew up more and really Other sportsman you would developed in the sport, I always like to be: looked up to Bernard Hopkins. Tiger Woods. Best fight you’ve seen: Last film/TV show you saw: I’ve seen a few decent scraps down I watch [TV series] Minder non-stop. the local pub! But the best boxing Who would play you in a film of match I’ve seen is Micky Ward- your life: Arturo Gatti I on TV. Mr T! Personal career highlight: Have you ever been starstruck: Winning the Irish super- When I met Jake Ball! middleweight title [by knocking out Last time you cried: Lee Murtagh in seven in February When Jake Ball said he was 2012]. That’s closely followed by moving on to bigger things even winning the WBA International after I destroyed him in a round. light-heavyweight title [by I was crying with laughter for days! stopping Jake Ball in the opener Best advice received: in November 2016]. Punch Jake Ball as if he had stolen Toughest opponent: my missus. I ended up with one Probably Darren Cruise [w ud 3 – of the punches of the year on Sky May 2012 & w pts 10 – April 2016]. Sports and a decent payday for He’s really underrated. about 90 seconds of work. Best and worst attributes as a Worst rumour about yourself: boxer: That I didn’t want the rematch with People think I’m just a big puncher, Jake Ball. but I can be just as slick, too. Something not many people Enough people put me down, so I’ll know about you: leave the weaknesses for the haters I’m great at doing impressions after to decide. a few drinks. Training tip: Stay dedicated. Work hard. Always believe in yourself. And always surround yourself with the right Age: 32 Twitter: @JJMcDonaghBoxer Nickname: ‘Slick’ Height: 6ft 2ins people. Nationality: Irish From: Mullingar Stance: Southpaw Record: 15-3 (7) Favourite meal/restaurant: Division: Middleweight Titles: Irish super-middleweight & WBA International Supermac’s. It’s a fast food light-heavyweight Next fight: McDonagh takes part in the Last Man Standing restaurant in Ireland. You can’t FACTS FAST middleweight tournament in Dublin this Saturday (March 3). beat it. Best friends in boxing:

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46 l BOXING NEWS l MARCH 1, 2018 www.boxingnewsonline.net Est. 1909 START READING WHEN WE FINISH WRITING

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