POWER TELLS

Harkin hits too hard for Moorcroft in battle of unbeatens, writes Mick Kane

THE St. Andrew’s Sporting Club held its annual Burns Supper boxing event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the guest of honour was IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington.

A three-fight card was on the menu at this black-tie event, headlined by a British welterweight title eliminator in which Dumbarton’s Celtic champion Martin Harkin had home advantage against James

Moorcroft from Wigan. This clash between two undefeated fighters was eagerly anticipated – and didn’t disappoint. Harkin has proved in the past that he carries a bit of power and it proved the case again as he had Moorcroft down in the second.

Harkin then abandoned his game plan as he went looking for the finish. Moorcroft recovered until the fifth, when Harkin landed a right-left that sent Moorcroft to the canvas once more. Referee John Latham had seen enough and called a halt to proceedings 57 seconds into the fifth.

It was disappointment for the travelling fans from Wigan, but a step closer to a British title shot for Harkin.

Nathaniel Collins from Glasgow had his first run-out since winning the Celtic title in October, convincingly outpointing Seaham’s

Jordan Ellison by 60-55 according to referee Kevin Mcintyre. Ellison was a late replacement but the classy Collins proved he is one to keep an eye on this year.

There was a shock in the show-opener as experienced journeyman William

Warburton, from Atherton, beat Dundee’s Ryan Gall. The Dundonian was knocked down in the first and never got going as Warburton demonstrated why he is muchrespected on the British circuit.

Referee Mcintyre scored it 40-36 to double centurion Warburton, who announced his retirement after the bout.

FULL RESULTS

Martin Harkin (147lbs), 13-0 (5), w rsf 5 James Moorcroft (147lbs), 13-1 (5); Nathaniel Collins (140lbs), 7-0 (2), w pts 6 Jordan Ellison (144lbs 2oz), 11-28-2 (1); William Warburton (156 1/2lbs), 27-16410 (5), w pts 4 Ryan Gall (153lbs 9oz), 2-1.