NINE FOR MICK

Big left hand does for Hrazdira, writes Andy Whittle from ringside

A HANDFUL of four-rounders made up the bill in the sold-out banqueting suite at Elland Road.

Tattooed local cruiser Mick Learmonth, already ahead after a one-sided opener against the tough and grinning Jan Hrazdira, secured victory number nine when the visiting Czech turned away in obvious distress having been tagged by a meaty left.

I suspect a thumb in the eye may have been to blame for his discomfort but, whatever the case, it was all over with just 92 seconds of the second having elapsed.

Only shut-out of the night came in the contest between Leeds super-welter Tom

Young and Bolton’s Chris Jenkinson, while another Leeds favourite in Luke Kelly edged out Hull’s Zygimantas Butkevicius in what proved an awfully close fought and thoroughly enjoyable tussle. Referee for the night Andy Brook awarded Luke a 39-38 victory at the finish. There was only a point separating York’s

Michael Fafera and Latvia’s Raimonds Sniedze too, Fafera bouncing back after being sent to the canvas by a left from the Riga native against the run of play in the third to claim a 38-37 win.

It quickly became apparent that there was a problem with Grantham-born debutant Ben Croft in his four against Derby veteran Elvis Dube. Croft was throwing little and what punches were attempted had no real weight behind them. By the halfway stage he was seemingly running on empty and it came as no surprise when Mr Brook waved a halt 24 seconds into the third.

Illness was duly blamed and, with hindsight, Croft really ought not to have boxed.

It was one of those days for illness it seemed, with guest of honour Joe Calzaghe being forced to pull out earlier in the day. But the assembled diners, who during the course of the evening raised a hefty sum for a local charity in the memorabilia auction, were royally entertained by excellent late sub Ricky Hatton.