ON THE MAP
Matt Bozeat sees Purdy put his name in the mix at world level
LEICESTER novice Sheldon Purdy came from nowhere to emerge as a contender for world strawweight honours by jabbing his way to a points victory over Wicha Phulaikhao (aka Pigmy Kokietgym) on Carl Greaves’ show at the King Power Stadium. Purdy forked out thousands to bring the two-time world title challenger over from Thailand and in only his sixth fight, the Midlander, several inches taller but more than six pounds lighter, jumped several levels to win 78-74 on the card of referee-for-the-night Kevin Parker.
Out for 18 months, Purdy picked up nose damage and was nicked on his left eyebrow in the third, but mostly he wasn’t there for Phulaikhao to hit. The Thai chased and Purdy picked him off.
Leicester southpaw Callum Blockley moved up to six rounds and kept Plymouth’s Des Newton
at arm’s length to take every session (60-54). Meanwhile, Shepshed brothers Louis Norman and Benn Norman were shutout 40-36 winners against Edward Bjorklund and Steven Maguire
respectively. Back after eight months out, Louis picked his shots well against the willing Bjorklund, a switch-hitter from Sweden who’s based in Lewisham, and Benn really punished Manchester’s Maguire with body shots.
After a hectic opener, during which he was nicked on his left cheek, Melton’s Josh Quailey, now with Greaves, settled and got behind his jab to claim every round against Swindon’s Phil Williams (40-36). Elsewhere, the scheduled six between Huthwaite’s Ellis Machin and Dorian Darch was warming up nicely before coming to a premature end after just 2-33. Welshman Darch had to retire after dislocating his left shoulder.
Newark’s Tom Cowling, returning after an eight-month hiatus due to a back injury, showed good punch variety in his win over Kearon Thomas. The Walsall man was docked a point in the last for holding to leave the score 40-35.
THE VERDICT Purdy’s punt pays off in his hometown.