CELTIC KING
Mckeown edges out John in front of the BBC cameras, writes Gareth Jones from ringside
SWANSEA
MAY 28
★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW
★★★★★ ATMOSPHERE
THE last time BBC Wales televised a pro show live was in 2000 when cameras visited Swansea Leisure Centre to see a highly touted prospect called Enzo Maccarinelli. The local teenager was knocked out by journeyman Lee Swaby and the Beeb abruptly lost interest.
For their return to that venue’s replacement, the LC2, Maccarinelli, who bounced back to claim WBO honours, was one of the ringside pundits. And he had three cracking title bouts to talk about.
Top of the bill saw Scot Mark Mckeown, urged on by a noisy phalanx of supporters, edge out Joshua John to capture the vacant Celtic featherweight crown. It looked more clear-cut than the scores suggested – 96-95 from Terry O’connor and Phil Edwards, Reece Carter offering 96-94 – but the Welshman kept battling to the end.
Mckeown was on the front foot from the first bell, but Port Talbot’s John soon showed he was difficult to hit cleanly, his speed and flexibility often frustrating the visitor from Coatbridge. Mark responded by targeting the body to some effect and he had Josh in difficulty to close the fourth.
In the interval, a flag was thrown from the exuberant Scottish contingent behind a barrier just a few feet from the ring, and landed on John’s head. But he emerged to box well on the retreat, even if “Sparky” still produced the more solid blows.
Both tired in a gruelling encounter, which had its untidy moments to prompt the occasional word from referee Kevin Parker, but each continued to hurl leather even if the early accuracy had been lost.
Mckeown left to celebrate with his fans, while John’s first loss should see him return stronger for the experience. It was, after all, only his fifth paid contest.
The two bouts for vacant Welsh thrones saw success for the underdogs, one thoroughly deserved, the other more contentious.
The welterweight clash featured two unbeaten prospects, but Risca’s Jake Tinklin, with seven straight wins and a lengthy amateur career, plus former WBA belt-holder Gavin Rees in the corner, was tipped to outbox Cardiffian
Lloyd Germain, who had never before voyaged beyond four rounds.
But Germain, boxing on the fourth anniversary of his brother’s suicide, had an inner drive to succeed. Tinklin, by contrast, never seemed to come to terms with the occasion. He spent too long circling the ring without punching, which meant Lloyd was able to settle into the bout, his stamina never really put to the test. The man from the capital was the one initiating attacks. Growing in confidence, he staggered Jake in the eighth and by now was driving the Monmouthshire fighter back. The ninth saw Tinklin finally letting go more, but the new positivity left him open and he took a few sturdy counters as he moved in.
Germaine was totally dominant in the last and, while Mr Carter’s 99-92 was slightly generous, he had achieved his goal – and converted a few sceptics along the way.
Gerome Warburton took the middleweight belt back to North Wales when his constant forward movement convinced Mr Carter to award him a 97-94 margin over Morgan Jones, from Aberdare. Jones was happy to take rounds to get used to his first southpaw opponent, while “The Breadmaker” struggled to get inside his rival’s long arms. Gerome was shaken by a right and left in the fifth and was forced to hang on late in the seventh.
The Colwyn Bay warrior’s workrate was impressive, while Morgan tired late on, but in a toe-to-toe finale it was Jones’s power that told, only Warburton’s determination keeping him upright and still launching punches until the bell and an ecstatic reaction to a somewhat surprising decision.
Over six-threes, Newport lightweight Nathan Howells took a 60-54 tally from referee Chris Jones over an enthusiastic but wild first-timer from Chatham, Tatenda Mangombe.
Most interesting of the fourrounders was the debut of popular local heavyweight Moses Jolly, who is not short of confidence. After a frenetic display against flabby Lamah Griggs,
from Nottingham, he won 39-37 (Mr Jones), but could have done better if he had calmed down a little. Still, he will be fun to watch.
There were straightforward victories for three Welshmen in their second bouts. Pontypridd stylist Tom James beat late sub Karl Sampson, from Sheffield, 40-36, while Porthcawl’s James Atkins
beat Margate trier Matar Sambou
39-37, both handled by Mr Jones.
And Newport’s Ryan Pocock, beaten in 66 seconds first time out, earned a 39-37 reward from Mr Carter over Seamus Devlin, from Padiham.
THE VERDICT It is to be hoped that the fare provided persuades BBC Wales that boxing should be a regular dish on their sporting menu.