Celebrating spate of North East victories at Temple Park

THERE was a parade of North East winners on the Steve Wraith show at South Shields’ Temple Park.

All five locals gained expected victories – apart from headliner Anthony Nelson the arms of Lawrence Osueke, Sam Menzies, Paul Gidney and Joe Maphosa were also raised to keep area fighters on the right trail.

It was a good night for Osueke who comes from Cullercoats – though now Manchester-based – and was fighting on home territory for the first time in his second pro bout.

The 30-year-old made a successful debut last month in Preston and he followed it up with a stylish four-round points win over Jevgenijs Andrejevs.

Now Osueke is looking to get out again quickly at Newcastle Arena on June 16.

Gidney and Menzies both claimed wins for Mal Gates’ stable in front of their own fans, G-Dog defeating Swedish journeyman Edward Bjorklund while the Pocket Rocket overcame Anwar Alfadi’s challenge.

Teessider ‘Smoking’ Joe Maphosa impressed with a classy stoppage win of Manchester debutant Steven Maguire finishing him off in the fourth.

Maphosa said: “It was different with the late change of opponent.

“Maguire was less experienced than the guy I was originally set to face and I had to change preparation to face a strong southpaw.

“I was originally set for six rounds so with this one being four I knew I had less time to get to him but I gave a good show overall.

“I tried to finish it in the early rounds but my corner was telling me to calm down and things would follow. I wanted to entertain and get that KO, which felt great.”