SUCCESS FOR SIMMONS

Thomas Latham sees Stephen prove too much for Kulikauskis

MTK SCOTLAND returned to the Crowne Plaza for the seventh instalment of the popular Boxing Dinner Club series.

The main event featured Edinburgh’s Stephen Simmons, back in action for the first time since his impressive display against Noel Gevor in October, facing Latvia’s Arturs Kulikauskis over six rounds at cruiserweight.

The opening round set the pace for the fight as both men were looking to connect with heavy punches. Kulikauskis landed a couple of early body shots and Simmons responded with solid combinations, forcing the Latvian onto the back foot.

The second session continued in the same vein, with Simmons using his jab to good effect and working well on the inside. A lazy jab from Kulikauskis left an opening, and Simmons landed a sharp left hook to the body, sending Kulikauskis to the canvas for an eight-count.

The remainder of the bout followed a similar pattern, with Kulikauskis bravely attempting to get a foothold in the contest and Simmons punishing him with strong strikes. Referee Kevin Mcintyre awarded the decision 60-53 in favour of Simmons.

Glasgow’s Marc Kerr made his first appearance of 2017 against Atherton’s William Warburton over four rounds. Kerr employed a measured approach by working off the jab, and found his rhythm early, refusing to allow Warburton to work his way into the contest. Referee Mcintyre returned a 40-36 scorecard for Kerr.

Dundee’s Paul Kean made his fourth professional appearance, with Newark-based Lithuanian Zygimantas Butkevicius in the opposing corner over four. Working well from his southpaw stance, Kean controlled the pace and countered to good effect, unsettling Butkevicius as he punished his mistakes. Mr Mcintyre, scoring from ringside, favoured Kean by 40-36. The referee was John Mcguire.

THE VERDICT Simmons remains in the title picture on the domestic cruiserweight scene.