Liverpudlian style learning curve for Esso
MBBC came to the rescue with this bout being taken with 48 hours notice – our big heavyweight Jordan Esso, 18, was taking a step up in Liverpool at Hotel Anfield.
His opponent, Sam Mercer, from the host club Title Shot, was a 27-yearold man with more experience and nearly 10kg heavier – but this is what Jordan wanted and needed, another test,.
We were bout seven of twelve at an absolutely cracking venue with the ring under canvas and a backdrop of Stanley Park and Everton FC’s Goodison Park stadium at one end of the street and Liverpool FC’s Anfield at the other with screens up all over the place so no matter where you were you could see the action on display.
So we made our way to the ring after warming up there had been some close bouts and as we know close bouts only go one way in Liverpool!
We were apprehensive but never the less we would give our all.
As the bell went both boxers where tentative only Esso caught Mercer, which sparked a barrage of shots from the host boxer.
Unperturbed, Esso took was thrown at him and kept to his boxing, but Mercer was pushing forward now after each shot Jordan threw, putting him on the back foot.
To be fair there wasn’t much between them after round one.
Round two was better for Esso as he seemed to be catching more cleanly.
Mercer was strong though and carried on pushing forward but for me Jordan had edged the second.
Round three and Esso was now in control, throwing combinations that were bang on target.
Mercer was tiring and blowing as Jordan unleashed some quality combinations and seemed to hit home with every shot – round three was ours.
So most will know when you hear the words “and your winner on a split decision” your heart drops it had been close but it was too tight in the first two rounds which the judges gave to Sam Mercer.
It meant he was victorious on this occasion, no arguments from our side
– we knew that there’s no leaving it to chance in Liverpool, you have got to perform to get the win.
Jordan boxed well and gave a great display for the on lookers and will learn from this bout he was a bit deflated on the way home.
He should have been proud as all the coaches thought he gave a great account of himself against a man on his own show in Liverpool.
Big thanks to all the coaches who had given up their evening to support Jordan – Stephen Roberts, Sean White and Kevin Bradbury... on to the next one!