READY TO HUMBLE
Jamie floors Gutmans three times en route to a quick-fire stoppage
bank against Remigijus Ziausys. The unbeaten 27-year-old heard the final bell for only the second time, Steve Hawkins marking him a shutout 60-54 winner.
Redfearn, also in contention for Area honours, was very measured in his approach. On two occasions, heavy rights drove Ziausys back and seemed to trouble the visitor, but he did not go for a finish. The Lithuanian proved a sturdy opponent. Fighting behind a high guard, often pinned against the ropes, he ensured Redfearn got 18 minutes in the tank.
Joe Maphosa made it two wins from two since turning professional by breezing through four rounds against Anwar Alfadli. Thornaby’s former Team GB flyweight was, predictably, a level above the Sheffield journeyman. Maphosa was bright and accurate, moving nicely, while three times Alfadli threw himself through the air theatrically, only to miss by the proverbial mile. “Smokin’ Joe” appeared to knock Anwar off balance with a left hook in the third, but the bout went to Mr Hawkins’ scorecard, which read 40-36.
County Durham’s Chad Ellis made a confident start to his career when he defeated a familiar visitor to the North-east, James Gorman. Ellis, from Spennymoor, looks a welcome and worthy addition to the paid ranks. How often do we see a debutant try too hard or be broken by nerves? There were no such worries with Ellis, whose double jabs and strong right found the head of the veteran Northern Irishman. A short, sharp left from Gorman to the chin in the second round welcomed Chad to the pro game, but that aside it was one-way traffic, with Mr Hawklns scoring it 40-36.
Darlington’s Chris Wood extended his winning sequence to four with a routine 40-36 success from Mr Williams over Russ Midgley. Wood loved his left hand and relied heavily on it, with some hooks to the Leeds featherweight’s body being the pick of the shots.
THE VERDICT Some fine showings from a clutch of North-east fighters with impressive potential.