ONE TO REMEMBER
Those in attendance won’t be forgetting this show in a hurry, writes Gareth Jones from ringside
SOME shows can be quickly dismissed from the memory bank, particularly those which, as in this case, feature local favourites against none-too-threatening opposition. But nobody will forget MTK’S first venture into Wales any time soon.
Explosive knockouts? Check. Split glove? Check. Ring rope snapping in two? Check. Boxer needing oxygen in the ring? Sadly, check. And the shocks started even before the good-sized crowd arrived at the Vale Sports Arena, staging licensed boxing for the first time.
The build-up to the show had seen a few opponents drop out. Nothing new there, but then the man due to face billtopper Liam Williams failed to board his plane. Gateshead’s Craig Nicholson was suggested as an alternative, but he’s a light-heavyweight. No matter, said Williams, a super-welter contender. All systems go, then.
But hours before the first bell, news arrived from Bristol Airport that the Nicaraguans due to take on unbeaten pair Sean Mcgoldrick and Maredudd Thomas had been refused entry and dispatched back to their Barcelona base. The pair had missed their flights the previous day and had purchased one-way tickets to travel, leading immigration officials to fear they might go AWOL. Two bouts lost, each involving big ticket-sellers.
Yet the fans were roundly entertained by what was left. Clydach Vale ace Williams, now trained in Sheffield by Dominic Ingle, made early inroads, but midway through the second round he and Nicholson became entangled on the ropes, both falling halfway out of the ring as the top strand gave way. Thankfully, neither boxer was hurt, but the rope was a goner.
After several minutes’ attempted repairs, the action resumed with ring technician Simon Goodall holding the bits in place. Fortunately for him, he did not have to do so for long. Liam uncorked a vicious left to the body which had Nicholson writhing in agony well after referee Reece Carter’s count had been completed at 2-36 of the session.
The scheduled eight-rounder had already been delayed for a lengthy period until the ambulance returned from taking Islington’s Jules Phillips to hospital after a horrendous knockout by Cardiffian Jacob Robinson.
In his first six-rounder, Robinson, southpaw son of ex-world champion Steve, impressed again with his sharp punching. The fifth brought the climax. A swift right as Phillips came in sent the recipient to the canvas, seemingly from his own momentum as much as the force of the blow. But there were no doubts shortly afterwards when “Baby Jake” fired in a left hook-right uppercut combination at the 2-05 mark. Jules was out even before crashing face-first. Referee Martin Williams dispensed with the count and medics administered oxygen for several minutes before the stricken journeyman was able to leave the ring. Happily, he seems to have recovered well.
Pontllanfraith’s Kody Davies, set for a US debut later this month, moved to seven straight when he halted reluctant Latvian Jevgenijs Andrejevs at 2-38 of the second (scheduled for six). Although still on his feet, the visitor looked relieved when trialist referee Chris Jones ended it. Pole Przemyslaw Binienda showed more positivity than Andrejevs, but it left him open to a big left hook from Jermaine Asare, from Pontypridd, dumping him glassy-eyed to be counted out by Mr Carter at 2-16 of the first of a planned four. Even quicker was Rhoose’s Lance Cooksey, who drove Kingsteignton’s Jamie Speight
to the ropes and simply hurled blows non-stop until Mr Jones stepped in at 0-58 of the opener. That was set for six. Only two contests lasted the course. Craig Evans, from Blackwood, shed some rust in outpointing Seaham trier and former victim Jordan Ellison by 60-55 for Mr Carter, scoring for Mr Jones. The last round was interrupted when Ellison’s right glove had to be replaced after his thumb broke through the seam. Meanwhile, hometown boy JJ Evans
overcame Oldbury’s lanky Dwain Grant
to be rewarded 40-37 by Mr Williams. It was Jamie’s first outing of 2018 and he needs to be busier.
THE VERDICT Despite the trials and tribulations, MTK promise they will be back in Wales soon. Hopefully it’ll be a smoother ride next time.