FIRST THINGS FIRST

Bill-topping status sees Jimmy beat Riyaz, writes Jacob Kilbride at ringside

JIMMY FIRST marked his maiden headline status with a dominating points victory over Blackburn veteran Ibrar Riyaz.

Topping the bill of this Frank Duffin promotion at the Bradford Hotel, First won all six scheduled rounds for a 60-54 verdict from ringside scorer Phil Edwards, with Andy Brook the referee.

Aside from a slow first round, Brighouse’s First boxed at a frantic pace throughout against the veteran, letting his hands go in the second with plenty of success.

The third was a microcosm of the fight. Riyaz walked into the corner and First unleashed a barrage of shots. The majority hit arms and gloves and despite his commendable efforts, Riyaz’s durability proved too much for the 38-year-old.

In the evening’s other sixrounder, Bradford’s Zeeshan Khan narrowly avoided a first career defeat after edging a 58-57 verdict over Wordsley’s Brett Fidoe. Khan claimed the first three through his accurate yet not hurtful jab, but petered out in the final stages.

Mr Edwards scored and Mr Brook refereed, and the same officiating duo oversaw a debut victory for Leeds’ Brandon Stansfield against West Yorkshire rival Said Zahoor of Bradford.

It was a scrappy affair that featured more holding than clean boxing, but Stansfield was a deserved 39-37 winner on the cards.

Likewise, Batley’s Jordan Yates began his professional career with a victory over Luke Fast of Hull by the same margin, while Bradford’s Jermaine Springer won a 40-36 decision against Lithuanian

Remigijus Ziausys. Mr Edwards officiated both bouts.

Huddersfield’s Jacob Quinn remains unbeaten after triumphing over Blackburn’s Naheem

Chaudhry - despite his best attempts at showboating - by a 40-36 decision from Mr Edwards, while Mr Brook was the man in the middle.

THE VERDICT First is clearly making up for lost time at his advanced age.