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Review of York Hall show 19th June 2010

It’s not essential to have a Ricky Hatton or a David Haye on the bill to make an exciting show. On Saturday night in east London, novices were given their chance to shine after the headliners on the bill were forced to pull out. In a night that could have been marred by this, the remaining fighters on the bill ensured that the York Hall crowd went home with plenty of action to discuss.

Of the original twelve home fighters on the bill only half of them actually got in the ring. More fighters dropped off the bill in fight week with Yassine El Maachi, Joe St John, Daryl Setterfield and Bobby George all having to be pulled from the show due to injury and illness. Promoter Steve Goodwin must have been wondering what else could go wrong!

Debutant John Brennan’s fight versus Swansea’s Chris Brophy won my “Fight of the Night” award with four rounds of non-stop action. This back and forth fight was the neutral fans dream but must have substantially raised the blood pressure of the loyal supporters following these two fighters. Referee Mark Green scored the fight 39-39 (this writer had Brennan nicking it 39-38) but there wasn’t too much argument from the crowd who were still on their feet applauding the marvellous effort both guys put into this bout.

The fight started with Brennan (10st 9 ½lb) using his superior reach advantage behind a quick left jab. As soon as Brennan opened up by landing a right uppercut Brophy (11st 4lb) would fire back with his own power shots. In a dramatic third round both guys landed huge shots and amazingly their chins were up to the job and they both returned to their corners looking relieved at the prospect of a minute's break! During the fourth round Brophy looked like the furious pace was taking its toll on him, Brennan’s shots were getting home and making a dent in Brophy. A huge left from Brennan saw his opponent's legs buckle momentarily before normal service was resumed with both fighters throwing and landing bombs. Once again, credit to both boxers for putting on such a fan friendly fight.

In another cracking bout over four rounds Michael Norgrove took part in his second pro fight against the lively Ryan Clark. Norgrove came through 39-38 on the referee Ken Curtis’s scorecard but he did have to survive an early onslaught from Clark. Clark came into this fight intent on winning and after Norgrove’s lively start Clark started to unload with huge overhand rights. It was like a magnet attracted to metal, Clark just couldn’t miss Norgrove’s jaw and did have him in trouble at one point during the first stanza. Credit to Norgrove who soaked the shots up and came back with some of his own.

Clark (11st 1lb) came out all guns blazing again in the second round but Norgrove (11st 3 ½lb) seemed to have wised up to Clark’s signature punch and was fighting nicely behind his jab. Norgrove was landing to the body of Clark on the ropes when another huge right detonated on Norgroves chin and he was forced to retreat. During rounds three and four Clark’s work became less effective and Norgrove started to command the fight. He started to dictate the pace and was landing the cleaner punches. Clark returned to his corner after the third with a bloodied face. The fight ended with Norgrove in total control.

Unbeaten Tony Owen (10st 1½lb) comfortably saw off Kristian Laight (9st 13lb) over four rounds. Owen looks like he will progress into a good technical boxer with the skills he displayed on his way to a 40-36 win. Owen, now (7-0) controlled the pace throughout landing more the noticeably better quality shots. Laight did attempt to pressure Owen and was waving him in for attacks but Tony was wise to this tactic and continued to pick his opponent off at will.

Luton’s Marco Stephenson (12 9 ¾lb) got his career back on track after losing his first pro fight by scoring a 39-38 win over Matt Jack (12st 10 ¾lb). In a fairly even scrap that produced a memorable third round, both fighters landed their power shots and both fighters overcame troubling moments. Stephenson, now (2-0) had the edge due to his better work rate and landing the more eye catching blows.

Ryan Barrett and Mark Alexander both warmed up against selected opponents before they face off against each other in September. The dislike these guys hold for each other is growing as they squared off together in an interview after Alexander’s fight.

Ryan Barrett (10st 4 ¼lb) faced Jason Nesbitt (10st 5lb) over six twos and came out on top with a 60-54 shutout win. Barrett, now (20-8-2) looked sharp against Nesbitt landing good quality body shots throughout.

Mark Alexander (9st 11 ¼lb) took on Sid Razak (10st 3lb) winning comfortably 59-55. Alexander was the aggressor throughout until the last round where Razak got his second wind taking the fight to Alexander who improves to 10-4.

Royston’s former ABA champ Bradley Evans (10st 3lb) had to endure six rounds of being held and tied up by veteran Karl Taylor (10st 11lb). When Evans did get some freedom he showed what a neat boxer he can be and did stop Taylor in his tracks with a big right hand in the third round. Evans moves to (4-0-1) with a 60-54 win.

At one point a slightly annoyed member of the crowd did remind Taylor that he was taking part in a boxing match not a wrestling match.

Another debutant on the show, Adam Battle (10st 10lb) got off to a winning start by beating Danny Dontchev (10st 5 ¾lb) over four rounds with a 40-36 decision. After a scrappy start where Dontchev was warned for use of the head (coming off worse with a cut on his right eye) Battle took control of the fight with his left hooks looking impressive and causing Dontchev trouble throughout.