Ringside thriller for boxing fans
FOR as long as it lasted, the Northern Area title clash between Durham’s Darren Richardson and Teesside’s Ross Jameson proved an absolute thriller for fight fans in attendance at Rainton Meadows Arena on Friday evening. Richardson would come out on top with the referee stepping in to save Jameson in the sixth, but only after a brave, spirited display. The barnstormer topped another brilliant North East show which was helped by a Northern Area title bout. The strap has often been under-utilised in this region, but fights like the one between Richardson and Jameson offered up for the fans are proof there’s something special about the belts. Richardson was a heavy favourite going in. His power was on show early on as he came close to ending a third consecutive bout in the very first round. Jameson did well to absorb the pressure and see out the round, but did taste the canvas in the second three minutes. A huge overhand right saw him drop. When he got to his feet it was clear his legs were still not fully recovered and twice in the remaining time in the round the referee almost jumped in and stopped it. Jameson showed his toughness to stay in it, and, with time in between rounds to recover, actually enjoyed some success of his own in rounds three and four. Richardson had recovered by the fifth though and started getting back to his better work. Good movement with a sharp and swift jab, following it up with a variety of shots. Those skills paid off in the sixth. Backed against the ropes Jameson took an almighty thump from the right hand of Richardson flush on the jaw. Stunned he took a knee. The referee had seen enough. While finished off comprehen- sively in the end though, Jameson deserves huge credit for his part in a fastpaced toe-to-toe battle.
Speaking after, Richardson reflected: “We knew Ross was going to be a really tough kid but I had him hurt a few times.
“I probably put a bit too much into trying to get him out in the first and second, but we got the job done in the end. I’ll go away, reflect on this with Davey (Binns) and I’m sure we’ll be back stronger.”
It was a busy night for trainer Binns and the South Durham team. As well as Richardson’s big title bout which headlined the card from promoter Phil Jeffries, Binns also oversaw shutout points wins over four for Chris Wallace, Warren Baister and Jay Hughes. Wallace, now 2-0, displayed some good shots early on and he looked for an early finish against Danny Little. He picked his shots and mixed them well but ultimately could not fend off the tough visitor.
Talented former GB amateur Baister, meanwhile, continued his unbeaten start to life as a professional with his sixth victory. Baister was comfortable throughout against the lanky Imantas Davidaitis and almost secured an early finish in an open third round before having to settle for the points win in the end.
Hughes, meanwhile, got his fifth pro win to no defeats after prevailing over the tough and durable Joe Ducker.
Lightweight Hughes, from Stockton, is a fast and flashy operator and dominated this one from start to finish.
Teesside talent Simon Vallily warmed up for the big NXTGen Matchroom card in Walker next month. A classy operator, the 2010 Commonwealth gold medallist’s biggest issue is his own temperament. He completely outclassed Dimitry Kalinovskij from the start in this one, showing patience and excellent shot selection. However, he was docked a point for persistently hitting below the belt, and almost lost his cool at the end of the second round because of his opponent’s complaints. He received a ticking off from the official but managed to keep his head and get the job done.
Elsewhere, Sunderland stand-out amateur Isaac Macleod secured his third early win in eight to date. Czech visitor Daniel Bazo was in the opposite corner to Macleod who from the opening bell put a vicious and punishing beating on his opponent. Bazo did not look comfortable at all and it was no surprise to anyone but Bazo’s frustrated trainer when he retired on his stool after the first, citing an injury to his right hand.
Macleod may have preferred a few more rounds in the bank in truth, but he showed enough of his class and big-hitting style to prove he warrants a step up in class. Newcastle’s Jobes Gym had two debutants on the card. Tommy Walsh looks unorthodox but absolutely dominated Andy Ponsford over four. The referee scored it 40-35, meaning one round was given 10-8 in Walsh’s favour despite no knockdown. That was testament to the Newcastle-man’s dominance.
With a Newcastle United badge stitched proudly on to his shorts, Mark Taylor gave a really impressive debut outing. Against the always durable Andrej Cepur, Taylor displayed a flashy, fan-friendly style. Often dropping his hands low, he threw impressive combinations and variations.
Finally, it was a frustrating evening for Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson who had to settle for an exhibition bout with Tom Young from Leeds after his opponent pulled out late. He’s in line to box for the British title this year, so at least he got some rounds under the belt. He looked classy as ever, despite being in first gear.