Just Boxing News

Report by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Frank Warren knows a thing or two about putting on a top class fight night and boy has he put some great shows on over the years. Usually his real all action extravaganzas are reserved for the bigger venues around the country, places like the O2, Excel, M.E.N., Echo Arena etc. however last night the King of British Boxing pulled out all the stops for a small hall show at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Heading up the classy lineup was Lee Selby’s first defense of the British and Commonwealth Featherweight straps he won back in September, with a fantastic eight round stoppage of Liverpool’s Stephen Smith.

Right from the off Selby went on the offensive, effectively using his jab to keep the super tough, and former holder of both titles, Simpson at bay. Each time the Scot made any move forward the Champ just stood his ground before throwing out a series of stiff jabs to push him back. Nice nonstop action opening round that was easy to score in Selby’s favour.

Second round was even livelier, Simpson just kept going forward, but as before Selby just resorted to his jab for the early part to thwart every move Simpson made. Frustration was already starting to settle in and by the end of the second minute Simpson started to throw some wild shots, problem was he left himself open to be picked off by some nice double handed counters. Another excellent round for the Champion.

More of the same in the third, Simpson’s shots were getting even wilder and again were leaving him open for Selby to counter, which he did with more force than in the earlier rounds.

Simpson’s trainer, Billy Nelson, obviously gave him a good talking to between the rounds as he came out and took the fight to Selby in a much more controlled fashion, so much so that he was actually getting some good success, landing some big shots. Selby responded in similar fashion and this lead to some great exchanges. Much closer round, but I still felt it was Selby’s round – just.

It was more of the same in the fifth, but as before it was Selby that seemed to be getting the better of each exchange. The round was a real firecracker that had the fans on the feet from almost the opening bell right through to the second minute mark, when Selby let rip with a peach of a left hook to the body that sent the Scottish challenger to his knees.

Simpson made it to his feet to take the count, but referee Marcus McDonnell could see that he was in no fit state to continue and waved the fight off on the 2 minute 2 second mark.

In doing so handed Simpson his first stoppage loss in his illustrious career. Selby, now with five stoppages in six outings, proved without doubt he’s the best domestic Featherweight and ready for a shot at the European crown.

As with virtually every Frank Warren Promotions show supporting the main event is another title fight of similar stature, last night’s was no exception. West Drayton’s Steve O’Meara stepped in to defend the Southern Area Light Middleweight belt he won back in September, with a sensational first round knockout of then champion Ryan Toms.

O’Meara’s opponent, Thamesmead’s super slick ‘Sugar’ Nathan Weise, bought to the table a 7-1-2 record that included a recent draw over previous champ Toms.

No surprise that the Mark Tibbs trained Weise went straight on the attack forcing O’Meara onto the back foot. O’Meara remained calm as he looked for an opening, he didn’t have to wait too long though, as around the fifty second mark Weise stepped in to let off yet another jab O’Meara released a wickedly fast left jab-right hook combination that sent Weise crashing to the deck in an instance.

A hush fell across York Hall as referee Ken Curtis instantly waved the fight off and the ringside doctor and paramedics rushed in to assist the prone Weise. It was a good few minutes before Weise was raised to a stool – the crowd responded with a standing ovation – but it was clear that Weise still wasn’t one hundred percent, the paramedics kept administering oxygen for a few more minutes before leading him from the ring to the waiting ambulance.

It has to be one of the worse knockouts I have seen in a long, long time but I can assure everyone that Nathan is one hundred percent OK, he turned up at the TRAD TKO Gym, to let his manager Johnny Eames, myself and all the fighters here know that he is OK literally as I was writing this report.

One of Frank Warren Promotions brightest stars, former Olympian and Nathan Weise’s gym mate Billy Joe Saunders, was drafted in at the last minute to face Belfast’s Tommy Tolan following Gym mate Ediz Hussein’s fight being called off, due to his coming down with the flu.

Slick southpaw Saunders went straight on the offensive and landed a massive left that shook Tolan to the core. In an instant Saunders stepped up the attack and literally chased Tolan from one corner to the next and beyond before landing another powerful left. Tolan legs had gone but he managed to stay on his feet, but referee Jeff Hinds had seen enough and just as Saunders was about to let rip with another shot stepped in and stopped the fight on the one minute and seven second mark.

Unbeaten in twelve, with five stoppages out of his last six outings and the Southern Area title already firmly in his grip, it’s clear that Saunders is ready to step up for a shot at either Nick Blackwell (English title) or Martin Murray (British title) for their crowns in the New Year, either of which would be a mouthwatering prospect.

Prior to Saunders-Tolan see unbeaten Welterweight George Michael Carman in action against the ubiquitous ‘Rockin’ Robin Deakin.

Now I hate writing negatives on any fighter, I know how much hard work precedes a fight and it takes serious guts to step into the ring, but having seen Carman in action twice now, the first when he managed to receive a highly dubious ‘draw’ result against Tom Bowen at Wembley in November – back then I, and it seems most of those present, felt Carman lost every single round by a country mile – I really can’t see why he is being so protected.

I mean Deakin is a Super Featherweight, Lightweight at best, with a negative 1-41 record, yet Carman couldn’t even handle him – in my between round notes I said that I wasn’t sure if this was boxing or handbags at fifty paces and that it is hard to think that there is only one journeyman in the ring, sorry but yes it was that bad.

The first three rounds were scrappy to put it mildly, with Deakin keeping the Slough man on the back foot for most of the time. It was only in the fourth that Carman actually started to get the better of the much lighter Deakin.

I have to admit that when he did get ‘fighty’ he was quite slick, but in all honesty it was still totally ineffective work. Deakin was deducted a point in the final round, not sure what for as I didn’t see any wrong doing from where I was. Anyway that aside at the end of the fourth referee Jeff Hinds scorecard read 40-35 in favour of Carman.

Canning Town’s Freddie Turner must have been a little surprised that it was the original opponent Kevin McCauley, and not stated replacement Michael Frontin, that he faced on the night. No matter either way to the Jimmy and Mark Tibbs trained fighter, he was just happy to get a decent opponent for him to showcase his sublime talents.

Round one was a bit of a cagey affair, as both fighters took their time to suss the others tactics. Whilst neither were in the zone yet Turner worked the hardest and landed the most meaningful shots to take the round in my book.

The second however was a much livelier affair, Turner was on the offensive in the early part and landed a couple of big scoring shots. As the round progressed McCauley started to push forward and managed to back Turner onto the ropes before letting rip with double handed flurries. Turner, taking a leaf from fellow TRAD TKO gym mate Kevin Mitchell’s book, just dipped and swayed to avoid every single shot. Another easy round to call, it was Turner’s all the way.

More of the same in the third, including Turner, back to the ropes, luring McCauley in and after a little dipping and swaying effectively countering with stiff jabs and big lefts. The lack of effect really started to get to McCauley, who started to resort to some dirty tactics, including late on in the round backing Turner up before blatantly head butting, which opened up a nasty gash over Turner’s right eye.

Needless to say this fired Turner up when he came out in the fourth, the Canning Town youngster went hard on the offensive, in response McCauley decided to stand and trade – which suited Turner fine, but not Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, who could be heard shouting at their charge to keep calm and just box McCauley.

With four rounds firmly in Turner’s favour McCauley decided he needed to step things up and started targeting the cut, albeit to no avail as Turner’s defensive skills are second to none. McCauley frustrations were clear for all to see as he started throwing wild shots in the hope that something will actually land. Turner responded with some cracking counters that clearly were hurting McCauley, both physically and mentally.

McCauley comes out hard and fast for the final round and tries to plain bully Turner, big mistake as this just allowed Turner to showcase his excellent ringcraft to even more effect as he see his way to a shutout 60-54 points victory.

Turner-McCauley was a seriously cracking fight, as was the fight that preceded it – when Cranham’s Lee Markham took on fellow Essex boy Danny Brown.

The first round was a close fought affair, with both determined to win the battle of the Essex boys, however Markham’s was just a little more effective and took the round in my book.

Markham stepped it up more in the second and landed a wicked shot to the body that caused Brown to take one knee. Brown made the count and continued, however deciding not to take too many chances overly protected his body which allowed Markham to land some big shots to the head.

Still protecting the body Brown came out on the offensive in the third and took the fight to Markham. For three minutes the pair exchanged punches in equal measure. However, as Brown was still wary of being on the receiving end of another big left to the body kept leaving his head unprotected, which made easy pickings for the Cranham boy big right hand.

More of the same in the fourth and final round, both letting rip with big shots as they again went to war for the full three minutes, much to the crowd’s delight. At the end of four excellent rounds no one was surprised that referee Ken Curtis scored the bout 39-36 in favour of Markham.

The opening bout of the night was an all action cracker too, between nineteen year old Alfie Smith and Jason Nesbitt.

Smith showed his intentions right from the start, attacking the body of Nesbitt with big left and right hands. The highly experienced Nesbitt tried to cover up to negate the onslaughts, which only encourage the teenager to play upstairs before returning to the body in style.

More of the same tactics, in the second, from Smith which was really beginning to take a toll on Nesbitt, who was huffing and puffing before the midway point. I had a good long hard look at Nesbitt between rounds and he really looked down hearted and honestly didn’t expect him to stay the course, but I was wrong.

For the final couple of rounds Smith continued his all out assault on Nesbitt’s body. The Brummy battler tried his hardest to take a part of the fight but each time he did the Rottweiler like Smith let rip with big left and rights to push him back. I would think Nesbitt was very happy to hear the final bell, although not as happy as young Smith who has the second win under his belt, and by a tidy shutout 40-36 points margin.

I have to say that as the final major fight show of the year Frank Warren did us all proud, it was a great show which had it all, drama, excitement and three stoppage victories. I know that after such I for one can head into the Christmas break happy in the knowledge that my appetite for boxing is well and truly sated and will see me through to the first big show of the New Year, Leon ‘Solid’ Williams’ first defense of his British Cruiserweight title at York Hall on Friday 13th January.

On Saturday night in Neubrandenburg, Germany, Yoan Pablo Hernandez was awarded the IBF Cruiserweight Title by split technical decision over 2-time champion Steve Cunningham of Philadelphia after Hernandez’s corner and doctor advised the referee to stop the bout in the corner after the 6th round.

Since the bout, in a release sent out by Sauerland Event, the Hernandez corner has attempted to take the focus away from the machinations that caused the stoppage and the score cards – with the judges voting for Hernandez being universally criticized by the media worldwide – which awarded Hernandez the belt, and have attempted to create controversy over the failure of the referee to stop the bout after Cunningham had been knocked down in Round 1, a move reminiscent of the “controversy” that some tried to create in the aftermath of Mike Tyson v Buster Douglas, Hernandez trainer Ulli Wegner is looking to divert attention away from the role played by the ring doctor Walter Wagner, who advised referee Mickey Vann that the fight should be stopped even though the cuts suffered by Hernandez were not bleeding. Cunningham responded to the tactics saying, “As soon as I read what Wegner was saying, I knew what it was – they want to take the focus off the way the fight was stopped. I am a true champion and despite the knock down, I was coming back to win that fight and they were not going to let that happen.”

In an AP report, Dr. Wagner is quoted as stating that he recommended that the Cunningham v Hernandez bout be stopped even though “the cuts weren’t dangerous but the blood could have run into his eyes and affected his vision. I think the head clashes that the referee felt were accidental weren’t entirely accidental. You can have different opinions there. Hernandez was at a disadvantage from the cuts, so I gave the recommendation.”

Let’s get this right – the doctor, who was observed at ringside cheering on Hernandez and was noted to have been keeping a scorecard together with a representative of Sauerland Event, advised the referee – who would be
remiss not to take the advice of a physician – to stop the bout because, in his medical opinion (?), Dr. Wagner felt that Hernandez was at a “disadvantage”- even though the cuts ‘weren’t dangerous” – and the blood “could have” run into Hernandez’s eyes and “could have” affected his vision – even though it was clear that neither cut was bleeding when Hernandez arose from his stool?

Dr. Wagner proceeded to further question the judgment of the experienced referee Mickey Vann on the boxing (not medical) call about whether the clashes of heads were accidental or not? “Everyone knows that the referee is the one to make those calls, I am not a dirty fighter, never have been. When an orthodox and a southpaw fight, head butts are likely to happen, and with that cuts are likely also, but if the cuts were not causing a problem, the fight should have continued. The only person with a disadvantage was me, I was fighting against way more that Yoan Pablo Hernandez on Saturday night.” said Cunningham.

Dr. Wagner is no stranger to controversy – he was the ring doctor who was in the corner of Ulli Wegner-trained Arthur Abraham when Abraham was permitted to fight on against Edison Miranda, in spite of having suffered a broken jaw and with Abraham’s face being a mask of blood throughout the bout. This obviously was, in the humble and respected opinions of Herr Wagner and Herr Wegner, far less an injury than was suffered by Hernandez, as both argued that Abraham could continue but that Hernandez could not.

“It’s really crazy. Abraham was allowed to fight on like a warrior despite his serious injuries and my fight was stopped due to two cuts that weren’t bleeding, I guess they liked their chances with Abraham over Miranda more than they did of Hernandez beating me” said Cunningham.

Cunningham then went on to recount how the night went, “In the first round I was feeling him out. I thought it was going well and then I got caught by a good shot and went down. I was down but not out. The knock down only me made me more determined. After the action started in the second I was back and went to work. I could feel myself getting stronger, sharper every round and I could feel him fading. I could taste a late round stoppage coming. But as you know, we didn’t get the chance to see who the best man was as they stopped it after the sixth round.”

Most neutral observers had Hernandez winning the first two rounds, with Cunningham taking control and winning Rounds 3 through 6. With Cunningham coming on and Hernandez fading, at the conclusion of Round 6, the referee asked the doctor to have a look at the cuts.

Doctor Wagner informed referee Vann that the fight should be stopped. The referee, who is in fact the final arbiter, was in a position in which he cannot, in good conscience, overrule what he takes to be advice provided by a neutral ring doctor based on what is believed to be medical opinion. Referee Vann asked “is that what you’re telling me” and then stopped the fight on the advice of ring physician Wagner. Hernandez walked to the center of the ring, without a drop of blood coming from either cut, and shrugged to Cunningham like he didn’t know why the fight was being stopped.

Hernandez wasn’t the only person confused by the decision, “I am a world champion, this is how I provide for my family and I have and always will fight to the end. Perhaps Wegner was out for some revenge after what I did to Huck, they wanted my belt and were willing to do whatever to take it” said Cunningham, before continuing “I have asked my lawyer to look what my options are, at the end of the day, no one should feel good about the way this fight ended. Hernandez and I share the same promoter and they should want to see this rectified. I have always been so proud to be the IBF Champion, they are an organization that stands behind their rules and does not get pulled into the shady politics and I respect them so much for that. I know they want their champions to earn the title, a rematch is truly in order.”

For those that have yet to see the fight check it out on YouTube (link to English language version) and then make your own mind up.

part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34H2NRdDTb4
part 2: http://www.youtube.com/user/marlonjordan7775#p/u/4/XcVr1MEH-78
part 3: http://www.youtube.com/user/marlonjordan7775#p/u/3/7GBPBALOUAc

Former World Champ turned promoter Carl Greaves recently announced that he will be presenting boxing fans the opportunity to spend an evening with one of the greatest British boxers of all time – undisputed Super
Middleweight Champion of the World Joe Calzaghe – at the Cedric Ford Pavilion, Newark Showground, Newark, Nottingham on Saturday 8th October.

It’s not just the fans that are turning out in force to meet the legendary Champ on the 8th October, so are boxing and TV stars such as British Super Bantamweight Champion Jason ‘2 Smooth’ Booth, British, Commonwealth and
European Super Bantamweight Champion Esham Pickering, former IBO Welterweight World Champion Jawid Khaliq, British Bantamweight title prospect Josh Wale, actor and former Central Area Featherweight Champion
Steve Bell and former Coronation Street actress Rachel Leskvac amongst others.

Carl Greaves, who won the World Boxing Federation Super Featherweight World title with a sensational and totally dominating performance over Ghana’s Ben Odamattey in 2003, said earlier today. “I’m proud to put on this very special event to give boxing fans the chance to meet one of the greatest British boxers ever.

Joe is without doubt one of Britain’s biggest stars, during his long career he secured all the major belts. Not only did he win all the major belts but he beat the World’s best, Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jnr.,
Mikkel Kessler, Jeff Lacy, Robin Read, Chris Eubank amongst others.

Really, I’m not surprised that star boxers, such as Easham, Jason, Jawid and Josh were amongst the first to buy tickets, I mean Joe is a true living legend.

Ticket sales for the event have been going really well, in fact we’ve already sold out the Gold tickets, so I’m expecting a very good turnout on the night.”

On the 8th October those lucky enough to attend will get the chance to not only have a chat with Joe but will also be treated to a four course meal and a photo opportunity with him.

There will also be an auction of Sporting memorabilia, a raffle, as well as entertainment, comprising of a comedian and singer Liam Moore, the winner of Stars In Your Eyes as Phil Collins.

An Evening With Joe Calzaghe will be held at the Cedric Ford Pavilion, Newark Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire on Saturday the 8th October.

Ticket prices:
Gold SOLD OUT – Doors open 6:30pm – Champagne reception
Silver £75.00 – Doors open 7:00pm – Champagne reception
Bronze £60.00 – Doors open 7:30pm. Meals served 8:00pm

For tickets for this not to be missed opportunity to meet one of Boxing’s
all time greats book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com.

With all the controversy surrounding the recent Victor Ortiz – Floyd Mayweather jnr. fight many London fans may be a little confused to why Ortiz only received the penalty of a single point deduction – and a dubious sucker punch KO for his efforts – whilst back at York Hall in June Darren Hamilton was not just disqualified, but also fined and suspended, for an almost identical action against Dave Ryan.

Like Ortiz, Hamilton accepted the result without argument. In fact the likable Bristol born fighter, now residing in London, has spent a lot of time soul searching and bridge mending, as he is keen to make amends before the pair once again face each other, for The British Master Light Welterweight title, a second time on the Spencer Fearon Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This is Hard Knocks’ show at York Hall in London on Friday, 7th October.

Hamilton’s determination to make amends, for that red mist moment, became clear when he spoke earlier today, “I’m fighting for redemption, not the money, he’s fighting for the money.

Basically Dave Ryan has asked for more money to fight me again, myself personally I’m completely not interested in the money.

You wouldn’t believe what I actually went through. On the night I didn’t realise the seriousness of what I did.

Afterwards I soon found out. Not only couldn’t I box for twenty eight days, because the British Boxing Board of Control suspended me, but I also had to pay a fine to the BBBofC.

I was getting abuse from his fans. My girlfriend, who was at the fight at the time, she was getting abuse as well from his fans. Some of it I heard, it was racial abuse.

Since then I’ve also been getting abuse on the internet from his fans, which I may not like but do understand.

I let Spencer (promoter Spencer Fearon) down, I let the fans down and I let myself down, something I am really sorry for.

It’s put me in a position, like where I was before, where I have to prove myself again like I did against Ideh Ochuku, after being knocked out by Daryl Setterfield, and the time they said I didn’t have a chance against Peter McDonagh, where I was the complete underdog.

I’ve gone right back to that hunger again, this is it again right now. I am completely solemn and completely dedicated to winning this fight. My head is completely on it, it’s all I’ve been thinking about, you know.”

Darren Hamilton versus Dave Ryan, for the British Masters Light Welterweight title, will take place at the Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ event, which will be headlined by Choi Tseveenpürev, at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Friday 7th October 2011 and broadcast live on Premier Sports (Sky channel 433).

Tickets for ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ – priced £35 (Unreserved) and £60 (Ringside), are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. For further information please call 07960 850645.

London boxing fans will get the chance to see their newest all conquering hero, Plaistow Cruiserweight sensation Mitchell Balker, in action right on their doorstep, as Spencer Fearon has signed him up to face Welsh hardman Hari Miles at his upcoming Hard knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday, 7th October.

West Ham fanatic Balker shot up the rankings, to #4 in Britain and #83 in the World, after hammering then World #45 ranked Richard Turba in Blackpool last month.

It was this sensational win that prompted Spencer Fearon to pick up the phone and call Balker’s manager, Johnny Eames, to get him on the Premier Sports (Sky channel 433) televised show.

Earlier today Spencer explained his reasons for asking Balker to fight on his flagship TV show, “Why because Mitchell epitomizes what Hard Knocks is all about.

I mean look at that guy, Mitchell, he took up the challenge and got a fantastic win over Richard Turba. Nobody, but nobody, wanted to fight Richard Turba, but he fights him and gets a great win.

Now hear what I’m saying, no padded records, he wins fights, lost a fight by stoppage, comes back and beats a guy who’s a fearful puncher, who’s a demon kind of guy that nobody wants to fight, but he does and beats him.

That’s why Mitchell has to be on the next Hard Knocks show on October 7th.”

Balker, who last year relocated from Amsterdam to Plaistow so that he could be as close as possible to his beloved Upton Park and Johnny Eames’ TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, then added, “I’m really proud that Spencer Fearon wants me to fight on his big show.

I always said I will fight anyone, I came to England to fight, so when they ask me to fight Richard Turba I said yes, I did and I won.

Now Spencer wants me to fight Hari Miles, I said yes, please I want the fight. I’m really looking forward to fighting Hari Miles on October 7th, I’m ready for it.

Training is going really well, I get such good sparring at the TRAD TKO and perfect training from Barry (Smith) and Johnny (Eames), perfect preparations.

I’m really looking forward to the fight, I’m looking forward to fighting Hari Miles especially as it will be right in my own back garden as such. York Hall is so close to here.

When I moved to London I wanted to live near to Upton Park and the TRAD TKO Gym. It’s good for me here as Johnny (Eames), Kevin (Mitchell) and lots of the fighters at the gym are West Ham fans.

When I was in Holland I always watched West Ham matches when I could, I always enjoyed watching them. I’m very proud to live close to the ground, now I get to watch them at Upton Park

I’m very proud to live here and fight in the East End of London, it’s now my home, I’m very proud have the chance to fight in front of East End fans.”

Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ event, which will be headlined by Choi Tseveenpürev, takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Friday 7th October 2011 and broadcast live on Premier Sports (Sky channel 433).

Tickets for ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ – priced £35 (Unreserved) and £60 (Ringside), are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. For further information please call 07960 850645.

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

On Sunday afternoon Miranda Carter and Bruce Baker co-promoted their first event of the new season – Great Expectations – at York Hall in the heart of the East End of London.

Surprisingly York Hall wasn’t packed to capacity, perhaps because of the late pullout by British Light Welter Champ Ashley Theophane, due to an injury, or even possibly that just days before there were two other big shows in the Capital – Prizefighter and the Mickey Helliet promoted event at the Elephant and Castle. However those that made the trip to hallowed home of British boxing on Sunday were treated to a cracking afternoon of action.

With Ashley out Southern Area Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth was elevated to sole headline status.

Right from the opening bell Williams went on the attack, closing down his prey before letting rip with a massive overhand right that shook Battersea’s Okoth to the core. Not willing to give Okoth a chance to recover Williams fired another exocet into the midriff. Okoth sensibly covered up as another salvo of punches rained down on him.

Realising that covering up would only invite more from the aggressive Streatham based Champ, Okoth decided attack was probably the only form of defense that would keep him from being stopped early on. Returning some big shots of his own did slow the Williams juggernaut, but not for long as ‘Solid’ decided to walk straight through them to counter with more of his big bombs. Late on in the round Williams landed a peach of a right hand that looked destined to send the the fighting fireman from Battersea down and out, but somehow Okoth managed to grab hold of Williams to stay on his feet and see the round out.

Williams flew out the corner at the start of the second, Okoth initially used his jab to good effect to slow the advancing Champ. Williams kept coming forward, eventually backing Okoth on the ropes before letting rip with more big salvos to the body and head. Okoth survived the onslaught and turned aggressor. Okoth pushed forward but Williams would not budge and the pair locked horns in the centre ring.

More of the same in the third and fourth both giving their all, Williams took both rounds purely by landing the more meaningful shots.

Williams looked fired up as he came out in the fifth and the writing was on the wall for Okoth right from the very first big right that Williams landed. Living up to his ring moniker ‘Solid’ Williams really started to work the body before backing Okoth on to a neutral corner and firing off a huge salvo of shots to the body and head. Okoth was beginning to look like a rag doll being savaged by a rabid Rottweiler and as such it came as no surprise that referee Jeff Hinds stepped in to save Okoth from a certain, and unnecessary, knockout on the one minute thirty one second mark.

The final bout of the day see Williams’ TRAD TKO gym mate Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor take on Aberystwyth, Wales’ Sean Gorman.

Connor had clearly upset Gorman with his pre fight comments, which were widely reported in the press, as the Welsh lad was fired up right from the off, as was clear by the venomous way he attacked Connor’s body.

Throughout the first couple of rounds Gorman would push forward with vicious attack after vicious attack, young ‘Cassius’ kept his cool and resisted getting into a tear up, instead he sensibly worked behind his first class jab.

Round three see Gorman getting increasing success, by getting under Connor’s superb jab before making his attacks. Connor must have realised how close the fight was because he became far more aggressive in the fourth and final round and boxed beautifully to secure the win by a close 39-38 margin.

Preceding Connor-Gorman former MMA fighter turned boxer Francis Maina, from Limehouse, made his professional debut against Barrington Brown from Nottingham.

What a evenly matched affair this turned out to be, throughout the four rounder they virtually matched each other punch for punch. Saying that in my view I thought Maina was just a tad more aggressive, which had me seeing him nicking most rounds. I have to admit I wasn’t that surprised or disappointed when referee Ken Curtis scored it a 39-39 draw as both lads put on a magnificent display.

Prior to these two bouts was the already covered Williams-Okoth thriller, and prior to that barnstormer was another. This time it was Billericay’s debuting Luke Fowler swapping copious amounts of leather with Swansea’s Craig Dyer.

What a cracking fight, Dyer was intent on giving young Luke a baptism of fire, Luke on the other hand seemed to relish the battle, as did his huge contingent of highly vocal supporters.

Fowler showed excellent ringcraft and head movement as the Swansea lad threw bomb after bomb, as each big right hand came looming into sight Fowler either moved out of range or dipped and swayed before letting off an equally, but accurate, vicious counter. Throughout the action was nonstop, the pair went at it hammer and tongs.

The first real breakthrough came midway through the second when Dyer, who was backed onto the ropes, was sent to the canvas, however referee Ken Curtis waved off the count.

The nonstop action continued in very much the same vane for the rest of the bout, with Dyer throwing lots of punches, most of which missed the ever fluid Essex Boy who in return countered with crisp solid jabs and big rights. No surprise then that after four sensation rounds Luke Fowler was declared victorious by a 40-37 margin.

The fourth bout of the night see Chiswick’s Dalton Miller take on Swansea’s Chris Brophy.

It was quite a lively start, with Brophy throwing bombs at every opportunity. Miller on the other hand used his head, sticking to his boxing and picking his shots.

Throughout the bout it was very much this way, except for a brief spell in the third when Brophy upped the pressure and backed Miller on to the ropes, but that was short lived as Miller soon regained control. No surprise to anyone that referee Jeff Hinds scored the bout 40-36 in favour of Miller, who had the edge over the Swansea man throughout.

Prior to Miller-Brophy the highly rated, and exceptionally slick Nathan Weise made his welcome return to York Hall, where he faced ubiquitous Duncan Cottier.

It was quite a edgy start, with the normally fast starting Weise seemingly feeling out the veteran journeyman. It soon livened up though as Weise started to get into the flow, landing crisp jabs and hooks to the body with ease to take the opening stanza.

Weise really got into his stride in the second round, some nice crisp movement and classy shots from all angles. Around midway through an off balance Cottier was sent to his knees by a sharp right. The Essex man protested it was slip, but referee continued the eight count.

Weise continued to put on a slick display, against little in return from Cottier, until the final round to earn a well deserved 40-35 points victory.

The second bout of the afternoon see the highly entertaining Nigerian-born Ideh Ockuko take on debuting Sean Tribble from Gosport, Hants.

Ockuku entertained the York Hall crowd with a dancing ring walk that continued after he entered the ring and tested the ropes. It didn’t stop there as his natural rhythm came into play when the action started.

Ockuku was plain sensational as he danced his way around the newcomer, picking his shots at will. I have to say that doesn’t really do Ockuku justice as he showcased about every punch in the book and did it with style.

Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t all one way traffic, Tribble gave his best and got some success for the effort, especially in the mid-rounds, but really didn’t have an answer to quick footed and classy Ockuku’s vast array of shots and as such it was no surprise that referee Jeff Hinds rightly scored the bout 39-37 in favour of the London based Nigerian.

The opening bout of the show see Peckham’s Diego Burton face Wickford’s Danny Brown.

The normally fast starting Brown seemed sluggish from the start, making life far to easy for Burton, who sent Brown onto the back foot with some seriously sharp jabs. Burton continued to dominate the proceedings easily, all but a brief period early in the third, to earn his first win by a 40-36 points margin.

I have to say this was my first visit to one of Miranda’s Sunday spectaculars, I’m usually quite content to stay at home on the Sabbath and have a relaxing Sunday dinner with my gorgeous girlfriend, but if this is the normal standard of fare on offer at Left Jab’s shows I can see myself in the arms of my pugilistic Friday and Saturday night mistress more often on a Sunday afternoon, as it was nothing short of first class.

Southern Area Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams gets his first outing of the new season, against Battersea’s fighting fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth, at the Miranda Carter and Bruce Baker co-promoted ‘Great Expectations’ event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, this coming Sunday.

Williams is seems particularly pleased that Okoth is his opponent on Sunday, as not only has ‘The Ox’ fought all the main players in the division, but Williams also wanted a tough test to prepare for the upcoming English title clash with Tony ‘The Conqueror’ Conquest , which is scheduled for late October.

Following a highly explosive final sparring session, against fellow Johnny Eames managed and co-trained Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker, at the TRAD TKO Gym in Canning Town, Williams spoke briefly on his preparations and his opponent Nick Okoth. “Just got back from Marbella, been out there training and that, so am good to go and preparations have been perfect.

Yeah Okoth’s been around, he’s fought everyone so it’ll be good to fight me.

He’s fought all the top people, Nathan Cleverly, Tony Bellew, Danny McIntosh, Tony Dodson and that. He’s also fought Tony (Conquest), which is good for me.

I mean, he’s fought Denis Lebedev and at one stage I want to be at the same level as that guy is now. You know, he fought Okoth, he knocked out Maccranelli so I want to fight the same opponents as him and try and beat them quicker than he did.

I didn’t want to say this but Mitchell (TKO team mate Mitchell Balker) beat him on points so I want to see if I can go one better and stop him. Take his head off, send it into the crowd. Happy days.

He comes to fight, I like that, I like a fight. Team Solid going forward, entertaining the supporters and getting another good win. Team Solid will be everywhere.”

Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Nick The Ox’ Okoth headlines the Miranda Carter and Bruce Baker co-promoted ‘Great Expectations’, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Sunday 18th September 2011.

Supporting the highly anticipated Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth is a nine bout card featuring the cream of local talent.

Doors open at 2pm and the first bout is at 3pm.

Tickets for ‘Great Expectations’ are on sale now – priced £35 (Unreserved) or £65 (Ringside), book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The TRAD TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. For further information please call 07960 850645

Amir Khan is hoping for a fight against Floyd Mayweather, but that fight if it happens will not be happening until at least summer. Marcos Maidana is also keen on fighting Khan, but the British boxer is keen on a fight with Erik Morales.

Khan is the IBF and WBA light-welterweight champion and has flatly refused the advances of Maidana who he beat last year. Khan said, “ Maidana’s been saying I’m avoiding him and don’t want to fight him, but he was my mandatory a year ago and I beat him fair and square. Now he wants a rematch, but I’ve got bigger fish to fry. There are other names I want and I want them quickly because they might not be there again.”

Erik Morales takes on Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC title and Khan is keen on a fight with the winner. He said, “I’ll fight anyone, but I really want to fight the winner of Morales and Matthysse. That would be another title in the bank.”

Maidana was due to fight Robert Guerrero at the end of the month, but Guerrero has had to withdraw due to an injury. When Khan was asked about a rematch with Maidana he replied, “If I was to fight Maidana again I’d beat him again, only more convincingly this time. It could happen in the future but there are other names I want first.”

It remains to be seen who Khan will be fighting next, but once the Morales Matthysse fight has taken place we will have a clearer picture. Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions is keen for Khan to fight the winner and said, “It’s very likely Amir will face the winner, particularly if it is Morales.”

Once that fight is out of the way a certain Floyd Mayweather is likely to be next, and a possible showdown at Wembley Stadium could be on the cards. Now that would be a fight worth watching.

American Robert Guerrero has injured his shoulder in training meaning his world title fight with Marcos Maidana at the end of the month has been called off.

Guerrero was in a destructive mood earlier this year when he beat Michael Katsidis to claim the Interim WBA and WBO Lightweight titles, a victory that earned him his chance against Maidana.

Richard Schaefer is the CEO at Golden Boy Promotions and he had the following to say about the injury sustained by Guerrero. “It was numb and he couldn’t move it at all. They iced it. They were hoping it was going to get better overnight. It did not. It got worse.”

He went on to say, “He can’t even put a jacket on, or a shirt, and move the arm at all. They are afraid it could be a torn rotator cuff. We don’t know.”

If it is a torn rotator cuff Guerrero could be on the sidelines for a long period of time, but it is hoped he will make a full recovery.

Tyson Fury will return to the ring next month in Belfast, but it will not be against local favourite Martin Rogan. The opponent has yet to be named, but Fury is disappointed in Rogan for rejecting the offer to fight him.

Fury won the British and Commonwealth belts when he defeated Dereck Chisora last month, and he has had plenty to say about Rogan. He said, “I’m very disappointed in Martin because he was at my fight with Chisora in London and said right after that he wanted the fight. He was made a massive offer and he was getting the chance to fight in Belfast. He said he was going to beat me senseless and yet he walked away.”

Fury went on to say, “In my opinion that is just the mentality of a bully boy. He talked the talk but he couldn’t walk the walk which must be embarrassing for him in his own city. I know he lost twice to Sam Sexton in Belfast and maybe he didn’t want to get beaten up again there. But the Irish fans will know when they see me box in Belfast that they’re looking at the best Irish heavyweight around and I’m not going to walk away from any challenge. I’m going all the way to the world heavyweight title.”

Fighting talk from Fury I’m sure you will agree. The fight will take place on Saturday 17 September and we will bring you news of Fury’s opponent as soon as it becomes available.