COMEBACK KIDS

Swansea makes its boxing return – as do several fighters

NOT only did this show mark the return of boxing to Wales’s second city after three years, but it featured comebacks of sorts for several participants. Former British title challenger Chris

Jenkins, following two straight losses, can be happy with his six-threes win over Plymouth’s willing Chris Adaway, mixing things up well, even if a bruised left knuckle reduced his power. Referee Reece Carter’s 60-55 acknowledged Adaway’s positive contribution.

Zack Davies, from nearby Pontyberem, impressed against Killamarsh trier Lee Connelly, whose efforts were similarly recognised by Martin Williams in an another 60-55 scoreline.

Main interest among the four-threes bouts was in Dale Evans, boxing for the first time since the death of Mike Towell following their bout in Glasgow last September. The St Clears man, who paid tribute to his fallen foe with a saltire and “Iron Mike” on his waistband, showed no hesitation in going after Stourbridge veteran Kevin Mccauley, but had to settle for Mr Carter’s 40-36 verdict.

Local boy James Lilley reappeared after 19 months and took a 39-37 victory for Mr Williams over Kent trier Sonny Whiting, while Pontypool’s Kieran Gething, after a contentious draw and defeat, claimed his first victory, wearing down Wiltshire’s Rob Brown and finishing him with a left to the body in the last. Mr Williams completed the count as Brown rose at 2-21 of the session.

Swansea super-welter Mano Lee bounced back from two reverses to stagger Nicaraguan Geiboord Omier and prompt Mr Carter’s intervention 34 seconds into the fourth.

Port Talbot debutant Geraint Goodridge had to work for a 39-37 margin over Jacob Lucas, helped when Mr Williams docked the Trowbridge man a point for holding, but fellow first-timer Lance Cooksey, from Rhoose, stormed to a confident 40-36 (Mr Carter) against Worcester’s Michael Mooney.

THE VERDICT Happy promoter Mo Prior promises a July return, but at a larger venue than the Brangwyn Hall.