SPANISH INQUISITION
After claiming British honours last time out, Cheeseman now wants European glory,
Cheeseman takes on fellow unbeaten Garcia for the European 154lb crown
NOT content with winning the British title three months ago, Bermondsey super-welterweight Ted Cheeseman
is targeting an upgrade in the shape of Sergio Garcia’s European belt, which he challenges the Spaniard for this Saturday (February 2). The unbeaten pair headline a Matchroom Boxing event at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, live on Sky Sports Arena/main Event.
Both fighters scored a hat-trick of victories in 2018, although Cheeseman’s came against a better class of opposition overall. The 23-year-old Londoner unanimously outpointed seasoned campaigner Carson Jones in February, before recording a fourth-round stoppage success against the previously undefeated Paul Upton four months later. Cheeseman rounded off a highly productive year by clinching the vacant British crown in October with a unanimous points triumph over the in-form Asinia Byfield.
In the first half of 2018, Garcia bagged a couple of low-key decision wins against unheralded adversaries. The major moment of the year for him came in September, when he picked up the vacant European strap by conquering the game but limited Maxime Beaussire on a unanimous verdict. Aside from this victory, his only other fight worthy of mention is his June 2017 meeting with EX-EBU titlist Isaac Real, which he won unanimously on the scorecards. Nicknamed “El Niño”, or “The Kid”, the 28-0 (13) Garcia is ranked as high as number four by the WBC. Promoted by former unified world middleweight king Sergio Martinez, the 26-year-old from Torrelavega possesses more professional experience than Cheeseman, 15-0 (9). However, this weekend’s contest in London will mark the Cantabrian’s first appearance outside of Spain, whereas all of his opponent’s pro bouts have been staged in the UK’S capital. Footage of Garcia suggests he is a capable and competent operator. Utilising effective lateral movement, the champion thrusts out a solid jab and puts his shots together nicely, including straight rights up top and hooks to the body from both fists. His work on the inside is neat and
sharp – particularly his eye-catching right uppercuts – though the power behind his punches isn’t overwhelming. Additionally, he can leave his chin unguarded at times.
Boasting a good amateur pedigree, especially as a Youth, Cheeseman combines strength and aggression with intelligence and composure. Employing clever head movement, he swarms forward relentlessly, cutting the ring off and unleashing fierce combinations in close, with jolting uppercuts and weighty right hooks a prime part of his arsenal. Garcia will keep Cheeseman honest, but the challenger’s smart pressure-fighting can see him earn a deserved points win.
The second title fight on the bill pits Wokingham’s Felix Cash in with Nigeria’s
Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight belt. Following a fruitful stint in the unpaid ranks, during which he made it on to the GB Boxing squad, Cash has won all 10 of his bouts (six early) since turning over. Abolaji has considerably more ring time under his belt in the pros, yet his record is not as striking as Cash’s. The Lagos native has lost four and drawn one of his 16 contests, with his sole outing last year (in January) ending in a sixth-round retirement defeat to the unbeaten but untested Bilel Jkitou.
While this will be Cash’s first crack at claiming Commonwealth honours, for Abolaji it will be his second attempt. In April 2017, the African travelled to Sheffield and took on former British title challenger Sam Sheedy for the vacant championship. Despite being unanimously outscored, Abolaji – who bizarrely weighed in more than eight pounds under the division limit – proved his toughness by pressing forward repeatedly, unperturbed by any incoming fire.
Abolaji, 27, has heavier hands than his 38 per cent KO ratio would indicate (six of 11 victories coming via stoppage), yet Cash’s punch potency is greater. A big 160-pounder, the 25-year-old is four inches taller than his 5ft 9in opponent. Cash’s physicality, in conjunction with his strong jabs and powerful hooks, can result in him being victorious inside the distance.
An intriguing light-heavyweight 10-rounder further down the card matches Lightwater southpaw Jake Ball, 12-1 (9), with Crystal Palace’s Craig
Richards, 13-1 (7). The tall and rangy duo were originally slated to box in October last year, but an injury suffered by Ball towards the end of his training camp put paid to those plans. Richards did not take kindly to his foe pulling out at short notice, which has fanned the flames of their rivalry ahead of the rescheduled clash.
Although Ball, 26, competed at a higher level than Richards as an amateur, it is the latter who has fought on the loftier stage as a pro so far. In October 2017, the 28-year-old put in an admirable effort as a late substitute when dropping a unanimous verdict to thenchampion Frank Buglioni in a British title tilt. Ball, meanwhile, is yet to fight for a major belt.
In what will be his second contest under the guidance of trainer Dominic Ingle, the heavy-hitting Ball will look to land hurtful counters off the back foot, while the spirited Richards – always happy to exchange blows – attempts to connect with long hooks. Both men will have their moments, but the pick is for Ball to come out on top via decision. Crowthorne super-featherweight
Charles Frankham – a member of the Sims gym like Cheeseman, Cash and Richards – is set to make his professional debut on the show. As an amateur, the 19-year-old medalled at the Youth Worlds (bronze), Youth Commonwealths (gold) and Junior Europeans (gold).
THE VERDICT Cheeseman is aiming to prove that he is already beyond the domestic scene.