150 NOT OUT
Mccallum wins but it’s van Poetsch who celebrates milestone, writes Roy Kelly
WHEN Matt Mccallum had his hand raised for his third professional win, the grin was just as wide on the face of his vanquished opponent. Lewis van Poetsch was celebrating his 150th pro contest and the 128th occasion he had reached the final bell to hear a points decision go against him. The Gloucestershire journeyman was all smiles and rightly so.
Newcastle super-middle
Mccallum, displaying a good repertoire, probably landed as many shots as van Poetsch has had bouts, but the 31-year-old fought with tremendous spirit, throwing a few himself and earned a share of a round in a 60-55 scoreline from referee Ron Kearney.
Sam Menzies enjoyed a shut-out 40-36 against seasoned Middleton southpaw Steve Maguire on the debut Jobes Boxing event in Gateshead in December and they met over six rounds at their second event north of the Tyne at Newcastle City Juniors. The South Shields star was simply too quick with his feet and hands and gained a 60-55 victory from Mr Kearney.
Durham’s Jordan BarkerPorter, fighting out of the Wallsend Boxing Academy, produced her best performance yet as she outboxed aggressive Pole Karina Szmalenberg, seen in many UK rings under the name Kopinska. Neil Close refereed with Kearney marking it 60-54.
Quickest win of the night came in one of the three four-rounders. Newcastle’s Nathan Cummiskey felled Jake Osgood with a peach of a right hook with Kearney waving it off after the count reached eight at 2-37 of the opener.
Co Durham’s footballer-turnedfighter Darryl Hall, a one-time Wembley finalist, put together some telling shots to outpoint the game ex-cameroon Olympian Christian Adjoufack 40-36.
“Camden Caretaker” Robbie Chapman impressed with crisp, accurate punches to make it backto-back wins on the road thanks a 40-37 victory over Newcastle’s Enrico Samba. Kearney scored both, with Close the third man.
THE VERDICT An absorbing night of boxing as some of the North- East’s up- and- coming talent take to the ring.