BILLAM-SMITH OFF THE MARK
Debutant delivers a scintillating pro bow against Henshaw
BOURNEMOUTH’S Chris Billam-smith made an explosive entrance to the pro game as he forced third man Chas Coakley to rescue Ilkeston’s Russ Henshaw at 2-01 in the first of a scheduled four on a Black Country Boxing-promoted show at the O2 Academy.
Billiam-smith, trained by Shane Mcguigan, was busy from the threequarter range and exhibited impressive footwork, before he surgically administered a fantastic double left hook to deck Henshaw heavily. Henshaw beat the count bravely, but he started to soak up solid follow-up shots and the contest was correctly halted.
Two Bournemouth fighters tallied wins over six. Firstly, Joe Hayes returned to winning ways in taking a 58-57 verdict over Brierly Hill’s MJ Hall on Coakley’s card. Hayes sustained a nasty cut in the corner of the right eye in the last. Secondly, Sam Jones shut out Worcester’s Michael Mooney on Jeff Hinds’ slate. Mooney was his typical aggressive and surging self, but Jones did well to catch Michael as he was closing the gap.
Coakley officiated two other fourrounders. Firstly, Brighton’s Ben Butler
shut out Newark-based Lithuanian Zygimantis Butkevicius. Ben’s offence was backed up by confidence and a sound workrate but, his defence was alarmingly open at times. Melksham’s Liam Richards
reached the 50-fight milestone but lost every session against Totton’s Jimmy Cooper. Liam had to cope with a significant height deficit.
Hinds also refereed two four-rounders. Yeovil’s Dean Dodge made an impressive debut in securing a 40-36 decision against Nuneaton’s Kristian Laight. Dodge was organised, effective and composed.
Finally, Warminster’s Paul Cummings scored the first win of his career in upsetting Poole’s Jake Best 39-37. The awkward Cummings was very open defensively, but was effective with his uppercuts. Best, who oozed blood from the nose and above the eyes from the third onwards, was the more technically able man, but simply took too many shots.
THE VERDICT Billam-smith looks like he has the potential to develop into a top-flight prospect.