DREAM DEBUT

Goddard is off to a ‹yer, writes James Hernandez from ringside

HOMETOWN welterweight prospect Liam Goddard made a dream start to life in the professional ranks at the Norwich Halls (Shamrock Promotions) with a sensational stoppage victory over Birmingham’s Yadollah Ghasemi.

Roared on by a raucous following, Goddard produced a stylish yet clinical display that belied his years to render his opponent senseless in the third round.

Ghasemi was already in a world of pain, having been floored in the previous round by a flush left hook to the chin, set up from Goddard cleverly worked the body with some stinging hooks.

With the guard lowered the Norwich southpaw was able to land upstairs with a lead right-left hand salvo.

The game Ghasemi was motionless on his way to the canvas and referee-for-the-night Lee Cook correctly dismissed the 10-count to halt proceedings at 1-11 in session three. It was scheduled for four.

Goddard is trained by the excellent Graham Everett, who described his charge as “a lovely slick southpaw, who has got a bit of Joe Calzaghe about him.”

Connor Vian of Croydon returned to winnings ways after tasting defeat last time out with a brilliant stoppage win over Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall.

Vian, a serving paratrooper, boxed purposely on the front foot and had Hall backed up on to the ropes in rounds one and three with combinations to head and body.

The onslaught was to get worse for Hall in the sixth and final round of this welterweight match as Vian uncorked a big right hook that shook Hall back onto his heels. Smelling blood, Vian unleashed a flurry of punches before Mr Cook stepped in at 2-00 of the stanza.

The show-opener saw Wisbech welterweight Joe Steed overcome Iiiyan Markov 40-37 in a good competitive scrap over four-threes.

The Bulgarian had a good last round but was no match for the more accurate Steed.

THE VERDICT Goddard already one to watch.