GLORY FOR JOSH
Wale returns but has to resist the temptation to get too involved
NOMINAL bill-topper at The Metrodome, while only a six-rounder, saw Barnsley bantam Josh Wale, three weeks shy of a trip to France for a late notice shot at the vacant European title, come through unscathed against experienced Nicaraguan Rafael Castillo in his first outing on home soil in over four years. Despite his caution there was still the odd head clash - but it was the visitor who picked up the only cut as Josh finished a 58-56 winner for Mike Alexander.
A 10-rounder for the vacant IBF European lightweight title between Darfield’s Robbie Barrett and Ellesmere Port’s Matty Fagan saw the former secure a unanimous points victory at the conclusion of gritty encounter.
Scores read 96-93 twice (Phil Edwards and Poland’s Miroslaw Brozio) plus a toowide 99-91 from Czech Jan Teleki.
Preston’s Phil Edwards accepted the retirement of Derby’s Conar Blackshaw at the end of the sixth of his English flyweight title bout against Sheffield’s
Kyle Yousaf who, despite sometimes smothering his work a little, had already built up a healthy lead and was bossing proceedings. Shinfield-stabled Blackshaw cited a hand injury.
A highly-watchable eight between Wakefield’s Andy Townend and Cardiff ’s late sub Henry Janes was scored 77-74 by referee Foster, the gutsy Welshman fully playing his part despite being sent over backwards midway through the penultimate session.
Denaby’s Terri Harper needed less than half of her six to knock out Swindon’s Bec Connolly, the Wiltshire girl remaining on her knees for the duration of referee Alexander’s count with 20 seconds of the third remaining, having been floored in her own corner by a barrage.
A pair of fours completed proceedings, both finishing 40-36. Sheffield’s Sam O’maison bested Leicestershire’s
lacklustre Michael Williams for Howard Foster whilst Hull’s Connor Coghill maintained his 100 per cent record despite conceding a chunk of weight to Mottram’s Michael Horabin, who made a more than decent fist of it. Mike Alexander refereed.
THE VERDICT Georges Ory now looms large for Josh with the European title up for grabs.