RAPID BENTLEY

Denzel triumphs in the opener, writes Philip Sharkey from ringside

THE Peacock Gym’s annual Christmas dinner show, promoted by Mark “Mo” Prior in the luxury surroundings of the London Hilton on Park Lane, saw early endings in all four bouts. Battersea punching machine Denzel

Bentley, under three weeks after knocking out Serge Ambomo, saw off Stourbridge-based Emmanuel Moussinga after just 2-07 of a scheduled eight-rounder.

Bentley came charging out from the first bell, launching heavy shots to body and head. Moussinga could only cover up, hoping the storm would subside. However, referee-for-the-evening Kieran Mccann stepped in as another attack downstairs pinned the Cameroon-born Swiss national on the ropes. I thought the stoppage came a trifle early, but some old heads at ringside believed the decision was spot on. Moussinga seemed dismayed at the ending, and was still protesting back in his dressing room afterward. In a full-blooded six-rounder, Gravesend’s

Sean Phillips, much improved after a debut draw with Anthony Fox last year, dug in impressive body shots to slow down Yeovil’s always-willing Bryn Wain. It was an injured hand that prompted the end of hostilities at the close of the third, when Mr Mccann accepted Wain’s retirement.

Two debutants both notched second-round winning starts. Former GB Elite boxer and WSB rep Chris Bourke had too much in his arsenal for Westbrook’s brave Ricky Leach. The Streatham southpaw showed off some good footwork, changing angles to knock down Leach for an eight-count. Upon rising, Mr Mccann led Leach back to his corner after 26 seconds of the session. Meanwhile, tall Ukrainian Dorin Kryshmaru became the first to halt Hoddesdon’s Colin “Butch”

Goldhawk, who was rescued after 2-25, his nose damaged and seeping claret.