PLAYING IT SAFE

Thomson boxes smartly after suffering an injury, writes Thomas Latham from ringside

BANNOCKBURN’S James Thomson made his MTK Scotland debut at the Crowne Plaza as he faced the experienced Lee Connelly over six rounds. It was a solid opening round for Thomson, who established the jab and used his footwork to evade the wild attacks of his Killamarsh opponent.

The second would prove a test for Thomson, with a right hook thrown early in the round causing hand damage, and forcing him to be more selective with his output. That set the tone for the remainder of the contest, as Connelly forced his way forward, and Thomson jabbed and countered to good effect, using the ring to stay out of danger. Referee Kevin Mcintyre returned a 60-56 verdict in favour of Thomson.

Cambuslang’s Jordan Mccorry got back to winning ways with a routine victory over Damian Lawniczak, of Poland, in a fourrounder. Investing to the body early would pay off for Mccorry, as he eased to a dominant points decision. Scoring judge Mr Mcintyre awarded the victory 40-36 in favour of Mccorry. The referee was Darren Maxwell.

Local Ahmed Ibrahim remained unbeaten in a tough four-round battle against Birmingham-based Iranian Yaddollah Ghasemi. It was an impressive first frame from Ibrahim, as he settled quickly and landed hard right hands.

The second changed the course of the contest, as Ghasemi increased his workrate and connected with slamming shots, showing a good variety between head and body. The third saw Ibrahim ship heavy punishment, before regaining control in the fourth. Mr Mcintyre scored the matchup 38-38 for referee Maxwell.

Dublin’s Ian Tims stopped Hungarian Attila Palko in the fifth round. Punishing body shots dropped Palko twice in the fourth, before referee Mcintyre waved it off at 0-45 of the next session. It had been scheduled for eight.

THE VERDICT Thomson is given a decent workout by Connelly.