TOO SMOOTH

Lewis wins the battle of the comeback kids, writes Andy Whittle

DONCASTER MARCH 25 ★★★☆☆ WHOLE SHOW ★★★☆☆ ATMOSPHERE

A TRIBUTE to recently retired local favourite Gavin Mcdonnell came prior to this six-bout card at The Dome. Show promoter Stefy Bull and Gavin’s twin brother Jamie spoke of a boxer who, with no amateur grounding and – according to his manager and trainer Stefy – not much talent initially, grafted his way to both British and European bantamweight titles. The spectators applauded long and hard as Gavin’s young sons joined them in the ring.

Both back after spells of activity, Doncaster’s Lewis Booth and Harworth’s Josh Morgan exchanged pleasantries over six in the evening’s nominal bill topper and meeting of former Area champions. It was Lewis who ran out victorious, third man Andy Brook having him ahead 59-56 at the finish.

Morgan, in his first outing since winning the Central Area lightweight title way back in 2016, kept it entertaining and will doubtless be back.

Previously winless Jake Bray who goes by the moniker “Stainforth’s Chuck Norris” bagged a first win in eight by pipping another returnee, local lad Jack Roberts by the narrowest of margins, Leeds referee Mr Brook turning in a card reading 39-38 at the finish.

The only inside the distance victory was Conisbrough’s Josh Clarke who halted Stoke southpaw Ryan Bithell 65 seconds into the second of a scheduled four. Referee Mr Brook halted proceedings as Bithell, down moments earlier from a short left, came under renewed fire. There was success too for recently crowned Area champ Dom Hunt of Wakefield who bested Cameroon-born Serge Ambomo 39-37 over four.

Shut-out wins against overseas opposition came to Armthorpe’s Josh Padley and Auckley’s Jamie Mellers in contests refereed by Mike Alexander. Padley taking a 60-54 win over tough Nicaraguan Cristian Gomez and Mellers emerging a one-sided 40-36 victor over Britain-based Latvian Kristaps Zulgis.