Murphy beaten by Reynoso in return
Feilding boxer Ricky Murphy’s return to the ring was an unsuccessful one, suffering his first loss as a professional.
In his first fight since July last year, Murphy was beaten by unanimous decision by Kiwi-based Argentine Tomas Reynoso in Auckland on Thursday night.
Murphy hasn’t fought since then because he broke his hand in sparring, had to get plates inserted in his hand in November, then had them removed in February.
The previously unbeaten Murphy was itching to get back in the ring ahead of this fight, having been through a long training camp, but he came up against a good fighter in Reynoso.
Reynoso had an 11cm advantage for the six-round middleweight bout and used it well, landing shots throughout the fight.
Both of them were keen on throwing punches, but Murphy was getting caught on the ropes and a quick Reynoso was peppering him with some strong punches.
After three rounds, Reynoso was looking well on top and Murphy was cut under his right eye.
In the fourth round Murphy looked more composed and he showed some heart to come back at Reynoso.
Murphy tried to land some big shots but Reynoso kept him at bay and managed to keep landing shots.
The cut under Murphy’s eye had swollen up by the end of the fight.
Reynoso, whose record is now 10 wins, one loss and a draw, said he was happy after the win, which was his second fight in two months since he moved to New Zealand.
‘‘This is not easy,’’ he said on television after the fight.
‘‘But with this hard work and Ricky is a good boxer.
‘‘He lost but he’s a very good boxer.’’
Murphy now has a record of nine wins and one loss.