AMAZING KO WIN
LIVERPOOL
MARCH 4
★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★★ ATMOSPHERE
DESPITE the intriguing English superflyweight title clash between Birkenhead’s Brandon Daord and Bristol’s Ashley Lane being postponed just days before, this VIP Promotions show featured not only some exciting and competitive contests but also, in the revised headliner, one of the knockouts of the season so far.
After being stopped by Mickey Ellison for the Central Area light-heavy title at the same venue back in July, Liverpool’s Jake Barton was looking to rebuild following a straightforward comeback victory in November. Equally, Widnes’ Leon Willings was looking to recapture some of his early form after a shock reverse against Robbie Chapman six months ago.
With his own comeback win since, this bout – an eliminator for the Central Area title to be contested by Ellison and Thomas Whittaker-hart in a rematch this Saturday – was finely balanced and was developing into such until, 56 seconds into the third round, Willings detonated a left hook to Barton’s chin that dropped him to the canvas.
Referee Jamie Kirkpatrick counted to three before waving it over, with the medical team rushing into the ring. There was some concern when Barton received oxygen, but he thankfully rose to his feet after a few moments.
Prior to this, Willings, looking bigger than his opponent, had the power if not the variety of the local and this told in the second when he caught Barton with a solid uppercut that saw his knees dip and one touch the canvas. Kirkpatrick was quick to administer the eight count but, although Willings took the fight to Barton thereafter, it was the home fighter who expressed disappointment at the very end of the round when a smart right seemed to drop the Widnes man momentarily, but it was ruled a slip.
Galvanised if not aggrieved, Barton took the fight to Willings in the third, only to get caught spectacularly just as he threw an overhand right.
The first contest of the night was an exciting one, with Birkenhead’s Ben Burnham a late stoppage winner over Yorkshire’s durable Jake Bray, who could barely conceal his anger at referee David Mulholland stepping in with just 20 seconds of the four-rounder remaining. Although unhurt, however, the visitor was shipping shots, albeit not all connecting, without reply.
Liverpool’s Joe Kavanagh and Luton-based Zimbabwean Darryl Tapfuma also put on a show in their six-round lightweight contest, a fact reflected in referee Steve Gray’s 58-56 score for the local. The last round was the best, with both trading right up until the final bell.
Boxing out of Derry Matthews’ stable in the city, Liverpool’s Charlotte Powell proved to have too much for Swindon’s experienced Bec Connolly over six-twos. Showing good variety, the local was a 60-54 winner on Steve Gray’s card. Mr Mulholland refereed.
In an excellent learning fight, Liverpool’s Ethan Brown had to work for his win over well-travelled Southampton-based Russian Rustem Fatkhullin, who was always in their four-round contest. Referee Jamie Kirkpatrick scored it 40-37.
Similarly, local cruiserweight Nathan Quarless ground out a decent 58-57 win over Mountain Ash’s Ethan King.
Although the contest failed to catch fire as some others did on the night, there was good work from both throughout, with the more eye-catching shots coming from the home fighter. Mr Mulholland refereed, with Mr Fitzpatrick scoring.
Even accounting for the action in the main bout, the fight of the night was arguably Isle of Man native Matt Rennie’s 59-56 won over the more-than capable Greek Efstathiuos Antonas.
In December, the visitor had been noted by many as a dangerous opponent for any up-and-coming lightweights as, in an equally furious and fast-paced contest, he beat the aforementioned Fatkhullin at the same venue. So it proved here as, from the very first bell, there was no let-up from either fighter. Although Antonas had some success, the classier boxing, including a showreel duck, slip and left hook to the body in the second, came from Rennie, for whom victory was hard won but well deserved. Steve Gray refereed.
In a rematch of their November draw in Wigan, Liverpool’s Bryan Collins
dominated against experienced Spanishbased Nicaraguan Berman Sanchez.
Steve Gray scored it 60-54, with Mr Mulholland refereeing.
THE VERDICT Despite the headline bout being postponed, the action on display is entertaining.
Gary Shaw is left wowed by Willings’ one-punch finish