GREEN MACHINE

Boro „ghter returns with a win against battling Bazza, writes Roy Kelly from ringside

TWO-THOUSAND-AND-EIGHTEEN has been the year of the comeback in the North East, with a number of old-stagers dusting off their gumshields and protectors again. The latest, Middlesbrough’s

John Green, had not been seen since lifting the Northern Area lightweight title in July 2015. However, he returned at the Lancastrian Suite with a third-round stoppage of Belfast warrior Alec Bazza.

It was as though the 29-year-old had never been away as he got into his rhythm from the off.

But Bazza, still without a win to his name, did not come to cover up, and he too got stuck into this six-rounder.

It made for a highly entertaining bout, but the third round saw Green up the ante, connecting with five spiteful rights.

It was a thumping left hook and a follow-up right which did the damage, with Bazza opting to take a count. Referee Ron Kearney – who controlled all four contests on this Steve Wraith/phil Jeffries show – took a good look at Bazza and his nasty mouth injury, and waved it off at 2-50 of the session.

Newton Aycliffe’s Muay Thaifighter-turned-boxer Reece Mcallister retained his composure and displayed plenty of skill after having a point deducted by Mr Kearney for a second-round low blow to defeat Bolton’s Chris Jenkinson 39-38.

Hartlepool’s Luke Cope’s left fist dominated Dean Jones, with the third session being his best. It’s a pity the Telford boxer waited until the last round to have a sustained go, but this fight, which ended 40-37 to Cope, deserves another airing.

The show-closer was a belter as Sheffield veteran Anwar Alfadli chucked off the shackles and threw everything at Middlesbrough’s Mohammed Waqas. However, having lost round two, Waqas used his left effectively to win the third and battled to stay ahead in the last to clinch a 39-38 victory.

THE VERDICT The away corner plays its part in the entertainment.