DISTANCE SPECIALIST

But Wheeler does his best to bag first stoppage win, writes Gareth Jones

WHEN Frome southpaw Ryan Wheeler opened with a backhand left, followed promptly by another, it looked as if the stylist might have something more emphatic in mind.

In the event, while his six-threes with Hereford trier Dean Evans involved more two-fisted exchanges than usual for the unbeaten youngster, it still ended with a referee’s decision. Kieran Mccann’s 59-55 scoreline gave Evans credit for his efforts, but the talented Somerset man was a clear victor.

The other six-threes at Ashton Gate’s Dolman Exhibition Hall underlined the steady improvement of local Tim Cutler, who took a 60-54 tally from Lee Cook. Hungarian visitor

Pal Olah was resilient, if unambitious. Fight of the night saw Anthony Fox, from Westbury, put the first loss on the record of Gloucester’s Wayne Ingram. Fox came through 39-38 for Mr Mccann. An all-polish battle saw Taunton-based

Pawel August, a former GB Junior champion, wear down Przemyslaw Binienda, from Leszno, and rock him with a left uppercut late in the third. When a left to the midriff added to the pain, the towel floated in and Mr Mccann ended it just 15 seconds into the last.

Popular Aaron Sutton strolled to a 40-36 over Aberystwyth’s Sean Gorman, while his fellow Bristolian, Tyler Davies, similarly whitewashed Torquay’s heavily tattooed Adam

Bannister, who carries more ink than the average octopus. Mr Cook refereed both.

Hometowner Reece Godfrey Sharp made his pro bow with another 40-36 (Mr Mccann) against Derry-born Warminster journeyman Paul Cummings.

THE VERDICT The show’s main men continuing to progress.