To extend his unbeaten top boxing at ESB show
the taller of the boxers was able to keep the scrapper Onza at bay with good clean shots and evasive foot movement.
By the end of the second round most ringsiders had Johnson two up with one to go. Onza’s corner were telling him he needed a knockout to win. The third round turned into a messy affair with Onza desperately coming forward trying to find some success.
With no clear winner in the third at the bell the crowd and the majority at ringside had Johnson the victor. However the judges saw it different and Onza took the decision on a split verdict.
Home boxer Crawford faced off against the strong Daniel Burke, of Bulkington, again over 3 x 2 minute rounds. Both started well and there were brisk exchanges with Burke looking to force the fight.
A right hand snapped Crawford’s heads back and he replied with a one, two and left hook all landing and stunning Burke. The ref stepped in and for some reason gave a standing count to Crawford who had actually got the better of the exchange. Ready to continue the two fighters exchanged punches again with both landing good shots. Burke pressed and landed another head shot which Crawford took well and replied. However the referee stepped in again to give another count. Crawford with faculties intact was ready to continue but the ref waved the contest off and Burke had won by a premature first round stoppage.
The night also saw four junior Earl Shilton and Barwell boxers in action and one youth. All the bouts again over 3 x 2 minute rounds. First up for the home boxers was Harley Magney against Bostons Reece Morris at 58 kg.
Magney with four wins from eight outings started well moving and landing crisps counters to the head. Half way through the first he landed a solid back hand forcing the referee to administer a standing count to Morris. While Magney won the round and continued to land cleanly in the second Morris did have some success with straight shots as Magney occasionally dropped his guard. The third saw the contest pace increase with more big shots landing from both boxers. Magney was getting the better of it though and a damaging right hand gave Morris another 8 count. The bout continued and Mageny continued to unload more damaging shots. Morris received another 8 count and the bout was waved off to save him from further punishment.
Jack Whitehead coming off a first round stoppage win last week went into battle against Sheffield’s Harry Palmer at 62 KG. Whitehead took the fight to Palmer in the first round landing with numerous one twos.
However Palmer countered well landing big backhands to a somewhat static Whitehead. Palmer was landing the heavier blows with Whitehead having to take a standing 8 count. Whitehead battled back in the second pushing his opponent back and producing better head movement. The contest was tight going into the final round. Whitehead who has a good engine dominated the last with shots to the body and powerful head shots.
With 20 seconds to go a volley of shots from Whitehead forced the referee to give a standing 8 count. Palmer was tired and out of the contest but hanging on for the final bell where he took a close decision.
At 50KG Flynn Evans took on the much taller Harvey Griffiths of Kent. It was a frustrating three rounds for the home fighter as he struggled to close the range and was picked off by long straight shots at a distance.
Every time Flynn attempted to close the gap Griffiths was on his toes and able to distance himself leaving Flynns shots short of the target. On the final bell Griffiths took a unanimous decision.
With his second bout in a week Billy Burbage went to task with Kai Merrin of Boston. The bout was made at 53 KGs and a fast pace was set by both boxers from the off. In this highly entertaining bout both had their success with fast hard blows and it was a tight bout to score. In the all action contest the final round was crucial, but the judges cards wouldn’t be needed. Successive headshots saw Burbage given two standing eight counts and despite being ready to continue the contest was waved off with Merrin winning by stoppage. Burbage was disappointed with the stoppage and felt able to continue.
Tyler McNally boxed Lurenzo Butelli (Royal Leamington Spa) in the youth category at 67 Kilos. McNally a fan favourite had the crown on their feet from the off. Buteli though had different ideas and came out swinging.
His wide eye catching shots was enough to win him the opener. McNally upped his game in the second and sloid shots to the head and body brough him back into the contest. With one round a piece it was all on the last.
Despite the roar of the crowd driving him on McNally just could connect with the quality of shots he had in the previous round. After the final bell Butelli took the decision in a well fought tough contest.
While there was mixed result for the home club the show was a success with quality competitive boxing that the packed audience enjoyed.
As the boxing season draws to a close the next home show for Earl Shilton and Barwell is planned for October.