Wharton’s boys

Henry coaches seven young boxers to victory in Leeds, writes Jacob Kilbride

LEEDS

MAY 27 ★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW

SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT Henry Wharton enjoyed a distinguished career in the 1990s, thrice boxing for sanctioning body titles in narrow points defeats to British rivals Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Robin Reid. The ex-european champion is now building a legacy as a trainer.

In the summer of 2019, Wharton did not possess a single professional on his books.yet, last Friday, an entire seven-fight bill of winners hailed from Henry’s Gym. Granted, that owed to the late cancellation of Billy Pickles’ bout with Jamie Sampson, the scheduled bill-topper of this Dennis Hobson Jr promotion at Leeds’ Premier Banqueting Suite.

The most likely candidate to come close to emulating Wharton’s achievements looks to be York’s George Davey, who breezed past Vasif Mamedov, 60-54, for a third win in a row since last year’s draw with Serge Ambomo.

Davey’s slick defence denied Mamedov any success and although a stoppage never felt forthcoming, his educated and consistent pressure, primarily from well-timed overhand rights, left blood streaming from the Russian’s nose by the finish.

Steve Gray oversaw that bout and wins for Knaresborough’s John Harker and York’s Harry Kelly.

Harker beat Nicaraguan Reynaldo Cajina

by a 40-37 margin, while debutant Kelly edged past Mancunian Harley Marginson, 39-37.

York’s Jack Marshall also started his career with a win, against Mexican Hector Avila Lozano, 40-36 for Andy Brook.

Another York man, Nathan Shepherd, and Poland’s Rafal Benka won by the same tally for the same official while in with CJ Wood (Middlesbrough) and Jake Osgood (Carlisle), respectively.

Keighley heavyweight Mitchell Barton

had a far more difficult night against Swindon veteran Phil Williams, scraping to a 39-38 tally for Brook.