SUPER SKELLY

Carly celebrates victory over Polish spoiler, writes Andy Whittle

A LATE change to the bill-topper on this Pat Barrett show at the Grand Central Hall saw local southpaw Carly Skelly in over 10 rounds against Poland’s Dorota Norek for the vacant Commonwealth superbantamweight title. Poznan native Norek had lasted only seven against Shannon Courtenay last time out and while she made it through to the finish here, she was unable to prevent Carly claiming the spoils.

Judges Phil Edwards and Mark Lyson scored 96-94 at the conclusion while Terry O’connor had it wider at 97-92, the Pole having a point deducted by referee Darren Sarginson for persistent holding as early as the fifth round.

Shaw‘s Jack Rafferty banked a 16th straight victory, proving far too much for durable Bulgarian Angel Emilov who conversely had won just one of his last 12 and had been halted just twice in 43 previous outings. Mark Lyson’s card, unsurprisingly, read 60-54 at the finish. A second Bulgarian, 32 year-old

Konstantin Alexandrov, provided the opposition for two-fight novice Niall Brown but fared no better than his compatriot. The Stockport man impressed. Alexandrov lost all four rounds on the card of Manchester referee Mr. Sarginson.

Cruiserweight newcomer Lee Johnson, in against much heavier fellow debutant and fellow Liverpudlian Gary Stables, mirrored Niall’s achievement by emerging a 40-36 winner for third man Mr. Lyson.

Liverpool’s Andy Colquhoun found Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, another fairly late replacement, in combative mood. A single point separated them at the finish, with Colquhoun nicking the 39-38 verdict of referee Lyson.

Chester featherweight Adam Rasool had to settle for a draw in another four-rounder against Oldbury southpaw Jahfibus Faure, referee Mr. Sarginson giving it 38-38.