BIG SHOWING FROM LITTLE
Dallas is defeated early in heavyweight rematch
TOMMY DOVE’S show at York Hall proved that small hall boxing clearly has what it takes to provide great action, a solid atmosphere and a stage to breed future stars. In the main event, Hatfield heavyweight Tom Little avenged his June 2012 inside-schedule Prizefighter loss to Tom Dallas with an emphatic first-round stoppage over the Chatham man.
The opening moments of the contest were cagey, as both fighters took a while to settle in. Little landed a solid left hook-right hand after their opening exchange of tapping jabs, sending Dallas immediately onto the back foot, dazed and using the ropes to stay up in his own corner. Little attacked his taller opponent, releasing flurries of powerful hooks and uppercuts through the guard of Dallas, who could only cover up and absorb the punches. The constant combinations caused referee Bob Williams to step in 59 seconds into the opener. It had been set for 10.
New Cross’ Dominic Akinlade looked flat and subsequently suffered the first loss of his pro career against Halifax’s tough Josh Sandland, who made it an inside fight from the first bell. Sandland threw short hooks and prevented Akinlade from working at range, where the Londoner is most comfortable. A big right hand in the fifth cemented Josh’s dominance and impressed referee Kieran Mccann, who scored the contest 60-54 in favour of the away fighter.
In one of the most exciting fights of the evening, Grays’ Tey Lynn Jones overcame Brixton’s Ashley Bailey Dumetz in a fast-paced bout over six rounds. Dumetz started quickly, throwing flurries of short hooks to win the first frame. Jones looked the classier fighter when he kept things at range, doubling up his strong jab and letting his effective right hand go in the third. Jones won the fight 59-55 for referee Chaz Coakley.
Islington’s Billy Underwood put in a controlled performance for three rounds against Poland’s Marcin Cybulski, with intelligent footwork allowing him to get in and out of range. It wasn’t until the fourth, when Underwood’s left shoulder came out, that Cybulski had the chance to land flurries of hooks, but Billy survived the little scare to triumph 39-37 for Mr Mccann.
In another four-rounder, Kent debutant Steven Andrews secured a shutout points victory over Chessington’s Richard Harrison by keeping the fight long behind his stiff jab, and hooking well to the body. Meanwhile, over the same distance, St Ives’ (Cambridgeshire) Matty Parr had an awkward evening against Trowbridge’s rangy Jacob Lucas, with the clash ending in a draw – 38 points apiece. Parr took his time to get inside Lucas’ guard, while Jacob tried to keep the fight at range.
Erith first-timer Scott Saward beat Lithuanian Dmitrij Kalinovskij by using his height and reach advantages to impress Mr Williams, who tallied 39-37 over four. Elsewhere, Loughton’s Georgie Wright dominated Croatia’s Anto Nakic with straight shots and smart footwork. Mr Coakley scored the contest 40-36.
Enfield’s Ricky Coker defeated Lithuania’s Deividas Sajauka with a composed display to win a 40-36 points decision from referee Lee Every, while Corringham’s Liam Desmond utilised digging body shots to overcome Latvia’s tricky Edgars Sniedze, who looked to spoil throughout. Mr Every scored it 39-38.
Loughton’s Daniel Khan looked impressive on his debut, securing a clear points victory over Croatia’s Antonio Horvatic. Khan applied consistent pressure, slamming hurtful shots into the body. Mr Williams had it 40-36.
THE VERDICT An entertaining small hall show, featuring plenty of action, is thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd.