Top of the Bill

Ryan Collins, Irvine V Dean Evans, Hereford in a 6 x 3 minute Lightweight contest at 9st 12lbs

Wake Me Up by Avicii was reverberating around the hall as Ryan Collins made his way to the ring with a face on him as bold as Attila the Hun. Dean Evans skipped in to a dance number. 

It was all Collins at the start of the fight. Sticking the jab in and working quality shots to the body. Evans twisted Collins in the neutral corner landing a good right but got a stinging jab back in return, both landing almost simultaneously. Collins took up a solid wide stance landing three consecutive Jabs that knocked the head back of Evans who resorted to screaming like a wild African warrior lunging at Collins, but missing by a mile. Collins was back on the straight left, doubling it up. Then a vicious three punch combination to the body seemed to kick start Evans who landed hard shots to the body and head. After some good work by Evans he got on his bike. Evans started switching from orthodox to southpaw swinging away at Collins, but the man from Irvine dug deep to the body and rocked back the head of Evans. The penultimate bell sounded. A cracking left from Collins was returned in kind by Evans. Collins was the man in control. A resounding left and right to the body of Evans left the man shouting. Evans landed a four punch combination to the head and body, Collins banged away at Evans’ body till the final bell.

The referee scored the contest 60-55 in favour of Ryan Collins

Sam Ball, Greenock V Kevin McCauley, Brighton in a 4 X 3 minute Light-Middleweight contest at 11st

Sam Ball made his way to the ring with the vibrant noise of Status Quo, Rocking All Over The World. McCauley marched in to the tune of Bob Marley’s classic Jammin.  

Ball threw a straight left, slipped his man and come over the top with a solid right. Another stiff left hook-right hook to the body was a signal of intention that this man meant business. McCauley was calling for Ball to come forward and forward he went. Hammering straight shots to the head, dropping down and thumping the body of McCauley. Ball was moving forward all the time throwing volleys of shots. McCauley had a minimal success with his own work. I’ve watched McCauley a few times and he’s no pushover. But Ball was the aggressor, the impresser, the man on top. McCauley was complaining to the referee one minute then shouting at Ball ‘Hit me’ the next. This fight was all about Sam Ball trying to stop his man and the resilience of Kevin McCauley. Both boxers showed great respect at the end of the fight.

The referee scored the contest 40-36 in favour of Sam Ball

Grant Quigley, Port Glasgow V Andy Neylon, Hull in a 4 X 3 minute round Light-Heavyweight contest at 12st 8lbs

An explosion of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk was the ring entrance of Grant Quigley. Andy Naylon came in to High Ho Silver Lining, Jeff Beck.

Heavy Handed Quigley came out blasting Neylon with a thunderous left-right-left hook combinations. Totally overwhelming Naylon with power and accuracy. Quigley delivered a five punch assault to the ribcage of the man from Hull. Naylon looked like he had lost a tenner and found a fiver. Naylon could only manage to paw out accurate jabs that had no effect on Quigley who marched forward overpowering Naylon with blistering shots. After 2 minutes and 42 seconds of the 2nd round an excruciating left uppercut to the body by Quigley dropped Naylon to the canvass.  Naylon received the count of ten but could not get up. Eventually he sat in his corner gasping for air with the doctor checking him over.

The referee scored the contest KO 2nd round in favour of Grant Quigley

The food was amazing. The boxing was fantastic. The ring girls were beautiful. All credit to the dynamic Colin Bellshaw.

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

Alex Morrison proudly presents an evening of Professional Boxing that was kindly sponsored by Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.

Saturday 15th February 2014

The main event of the Evening

Scott ‘Title Taker’ Allan, Wishaw V Anwar Al Fadli, Sheffield 6 X2 minute rounds at Bantamweight

Scott Allan was a World Kickboxing Champion, and at the age of 21 he has turned to Professional Boxing under the guidance of Alex Morrison.

The boxers made their way to the ring to the tune of Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond). Fadli was in the ring like a bolt of lightning. Allan strolled his way through the crowd surrounded by 2 show girls dressed like swans, all feather and lace; it was a sight to behold. He then climbed the stairs and jumped over the top rope with relative ease. What an entrance! It was about as flamboyant as Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand.

Fadli started proceedings with two straight punches. A solid jab from Allan was the beginning of an assault to the body and head. Fadli was complaining to the referee about a rabbit punch. Allan immediately moved in with a thumping straight left and overhand right, stalking his man. Fadli attempted a left screw shot to the head, But Allan replied immediately with a right uppercut.  Allan was dominating the fight, pinning his man in the neutral corner and letting go. He doubled up with a three punch combination that was bang on the button. Allan was content to throw straight jabs followed by overhand rights in the 4th, Fadli was seemingly nonexistent. Allan was showing good footwork and lateral movement throughout the fight, he looked harder to catch than Sir Chris Hoy. By the 5th Allan was regularly throwing an assortment of punches that were improving every round. Fadli resorted to throwing clubbing, wild shots that would have landed just shy of neighbouring town Motherwell. In the 6th Allan landed a hard left hook that staggered his man; he followed up instinctively with three punches that floored Fadli. The referee never scored it as a knockdown. Allan did receive a warning for rabbit punching, but a straight one-two and a double left hook brought the contest to an end.

The referee scored the contest 60-54 in favour of debutant Scott ‘Title Taker’ Allan    

Michael Jameson, Irvine V William Warburton, Atherton 4 X 3 minute rounds at Welterweight

Guns and Roses ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ blasted out as the two boxers made their entrance.

A devastating four punch combination from Jameson saw Warburton bounce off the ropes before hitting the canvass like a pallet of bricks. Once again it was not scored as a knockdown. Jameson followed his man like a shadow repeatedly letting go three punch combinations to the head and body. Jameson trapped his man in the neutral corner unleashing venomous shots to the head and body. Warburton soaked everything Jameson could throw at him like a sponge. Warburton showed great resilience after the bell rang. A stinging left jab from Jameson, and a destructive right hand resulted in a good exchange from both boxers. Jameson landed with a flush straight one-two that was returned in kind. Warburton hit the target with a good left hook before the bell rang. It’s only fair to say Jameson completely bossed the 3rd with a string of punches that were mainly targeting the body. Warburton had his best round in the 4th that began with a stiff jab. Jameson threw a shower of punches in Warburton’s corner. A solid right to the body by Jameson got a reaction from Warburton who continued punching until the bell rang.

The referee scored the contest 40-37 in favour of Michael Jameson who remains Unbeaten 

 Ally Black, Kirkintillock V Youssef Al Hamidi, Dewsbury 4 X 3 minute rounds at Light-Welterweight

‘Sexy And I Know It’ LMFAO got the fans attention when the fighters made their way to the ring.

Both boxers stood sizing each other up for a moment. Black began working behind the jab and overhand right, bringing in body and head shots. In fact, Black was the only one working until Hamidi landed to the head and body followed by a double left hook before the bell. A left hook and a right hand by Black started the 2nd. Black went back on the jab, picking his man off, finding his range. Black threw an outrageously strong, thumping right to the body. A good exchange from both boxers led to an explosive right hand by Black that sent his man spinning to the canvass at great speed. The referee got to the count of 8 before the bell saved Hamidi. It was an intense minute in the corner for hamidi, who sat there looking like the glass was half empty. Black was now in total command, picking his shots at will. Hamidi tried to fight back, but the sheer workrate of Black was too much for the diminishing Hamidi. Black was pouring on the pressure, Hamidi was in survival mode. A straight jab and overhand right square on the chin of Hamidi before the final bell summed up a one-sided contest.

The referee scored the contest 40-35 in favour of Ally Black who remains Unbeaten

Scott McCormack, Glasgow V Francis Croes, Middlesbrough 4 X 3 minute rounds at Bantamweight

Clubland Classix ‘Your A Superstar’ (Love Inc) Belted out as the fighters made their way to the ring.

McCormack came off the jab flowing into combinations varying up to six punches, he was relentless. Croes threw the occasional single and double shots to the body. McCormack continued to utilize his velocity of combinations, and rocked Croes with a straight jab and an overhand right. If Croes had a work rate, it was definitely slowing down. The supremacy of McCormack was falling like darkness on Croes, who resorted to bobbing and weaving while he was well out of range. McCormack piled it on in the 3rd, while Croes just kept smiling at him. A black and blue mouse began to appear under the right eye of Croes. There was no let up by McCormack who looked like he was really enjoying himself. Croes did manage a resounding right to the body. Croes sat in his corner with a worsening black eye before the bell sounded for the last round. I didn’t see Croes throw a punch in the last. It was pure domination from McCormack who was throwing more combinations than a six figured sum.

The referee scored the fight 40-36 in favour of debutant Scott McCormack   

 Adam McKenzie, Motherwell V Garry Reeve, Gateshead 6 X 2 minute rounds at Flyweight

McKenzie went straight on the trusty jab, doubling it up, and targeting the body. Reeve connected with a jab and overhand right that cut McKenzie above the left eye. McKenzie landed a straight left-right bang on target. McKenzie’s corner did a great job on the eye. McKenzie threw a neat left hook followed by a cracking overhand right. Both boxers fought their way out of a clinch. Another firm left hook from McKenzie. Reeve caught McKenzie with a good left hook of his own that caught his man off balance. McKenzie stepped up a gear in the 3rd, notably landing two good straight left-right’s simultaneously. Reeve could only muster a swinging left hook. The 4th round was looking a bit more even, although McKenzie did land a three punch combination that staggered Reeve. McKenzie looked anxious throughout the fight, but had a great 5th round landing heavy shots, and by far the majority. Reeve came back fighting in the 6th, there was blood dripping from McKenzie’s left eye. Another good exchange before Reeve shook McKenzie with a left hook. McKenzie came straight back with a variety of shots finishing the stronger man.

The referee scored the fight 58-56 in favour of debutant Adam McKenzie

Christine Morrison told me to sit across on the other side of the ring next to where her dad (Alex Morrison) was sitting. I took my seat along the row right next to the ring. It was a bit of a tight squeeze. Just before the first contest I felt this knee in my back. I swivelled round, and it was none other than WBO World Champion Ricky Burns taking his seat, right behind me. I immediately shook hands, and passed a few pleasantries. Then I got down to business.

The show was a massive success, and the fans were brilliant.

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

It was a night of Championship Boxing, a Tribute to Jim Wray ‘Champion of the Gorbals’

Saturday 7th December 2013

Guns and Roses ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ was reverberating around the hall louder than any nightclub I’ve been in.

The Main Event of The Evening

Jonathan Slowey, Glasgow (Challenger) V Kris ‘Badger’ Hughes, Bellshill (Champion) 10 X 3 minute round contest for the Scottish Featherweight Title

This was the battle of the southpaws. Slowey entered the ring with his hands raised high in the air as he marched from corner to corner. He looked extremely animated as he bounced around the canvas. Hughes had a lethargic, calm look about him when he entered the ring. However, Hughes came out his corner on the front foot forcing his man back against the ropes with a vicious salvo of punches. Slowey steadied the ship by doubling up effective straight strikes to the head. A solid overhand left from Hughes was returned in kind by Slowey with a thumping body shot. Slowey began crouching low while creeping in and stamping his lead foot as he tried to create an opening. He was commanding the centre of the ring, and began dictating the pace. Slowey is a more comfortable counter puncher, but he was taking the fight to Hughes. Even when he was on the receiving end he looked more upbeat than a man who had been paid twice his monthly salary by mistake. Hughes began well in the 6th but evidently had a nasty looking gash under his left eyebrow. Slowey was like a shark that sensed blood. A pair of solid left and rights to the head had the crowd on their feet singing, "Johnny, Johnny". Hughes got the last say with a hard left to the body. Slowey came out cycling his hand like a bike in order to distract his opponent while letting go jabs to the body and head. He was working hard inside as both boxers stood inches apart. Slowey came out firing in the 8th, notably landing a right hook bang on target. Hughes got behind the Jab, trying to nail an advancing Slowey with an uppercut. Slowey finished off with a jab to the body and a lovely left-right to the head. The 9th round was all about Kris Hughes, hooks, straights uppercuts and jabs collectively described the round.  Slowey looked like he was taking a breather in the 9th, but came out in the 10th and final round with a fresh pair of legs. Both boxers simultaneously landed punches. There was a clash of heads that left Slowey with a bright red blood stain about the size of a cash line card on the right hand side of his forehead. There was a good exchange of blows; both boxers were covered in blood. As they fought hard against the ropes I was smeared under the right eye with a splatter of blood. What a fight! The crowd were roaring that loud you could hardly hear yourself think. Both men were going at it toe to toe as the bell rang to signal the end of the fight.

The referee scored the contest 96-95. And the New Scottish Featherweight Champion, Jonathan Slowey who remains Unbeaten   

David Brophy, Caldercruix V Alastair Warren, Huddersfield 6 X 3 minute round contest at Super-Middleweight.

Warren entered the ring to a Whitesnake number ‘Here I go Again’, Brophy dipped through the ropes to the tune of Gangnam Style. It was David Brophy’s first outing as a Super-Middleweight. Warren looked confident standing in his corner before the bell rang, but he was quickly on the receiving end of more shots than a stag party in Ibiza. Brophy was dominating the fight with lightening fast combinations to the body and head. Warren did catch Brophy with a solid left hook and a nice right hand, but the sheer work rate of Brophy was grinding his man down. Flashy 3-4 punch combinations against the ropes from Brophy left Warren looking not so confident. His nose was reddening up by the 4th. A fast and furious 7 punch combination from Brophy at the end of the round brought about a big right to the body by warren before the bell rang. An onslaught from Brophy in the 5th drew blood from the nose of Warren. Brophy was like a fever that besieged Warren, there was no escape until Warren managed to let go a multiple combination himself. An eye-catching right screw shot from Brophy followed by a great right over the top, and a brief exchange of punches brought the contest to an end. Warren’s nose was dripping with blood.

The referee scored the contest 60-54 in favour of David Brophy who remains Unbeaten  

Craig ‘Hot Property’ Docherty, Glasgow V Tomas Mazurkiewicz, Manchester 6 X 3 minute round contest at Light-Middleweight

In the early stages of the fight Mazurkieweiz worked behind the jab, then started bringing both hands into play by introducing the overhand right. Hot Property was feeling his way in with the left, unleashing a powerful roundhouse right, and mostly working away to the body. During round two, the contents of a bottle of water was accidentally thrown over Docherty’s back. It hardly made an impression on Docherty because he was so focused. He went on to throw a left and a right to the body followed by a straight left-right bang on the money. Docherty was looking nice and relaxed in there. The former Commonwealth Champion was unloading a variety of punches. At times, Mazurkiewicz had no alternative but to show some respect for a man who once lost the European Title on a split decision. Docherty didn’t get his own way all the time; he got cut above the right eye in the 4th. The cut was bleeding badly by the 5th, but Docherty was the aggressor, and followed his man like a shadow. In the last round Marzurkiewicz produced some nice straight left hands, but Docherty was matching him with a diversity of punches. Docherty threw a straight right followed by a four punch combination to the body and head before the final bell rang.

The referee scored the contest 58-56 in favour of Craig ‘Hot Property’ Docherty

Ally Black, Kirkintillock V Paul Haines, Manchester 4 X 3 minute round Light-Welterweight contest

Haines began proceedings by doubling up the jab a few times before Black stepped in with a right uppercut, straight left, slipped his man, dipped and came over the top with a nice left and overhand right. Haines was moving in with his head down. Black was snapping out a fast jab. If that left glove had been a dart, Black hit the bulls eye 3 times on the trot.  Haines was targeting the body and head with the left hand. Black started putting punches together before the bell rang. Black started brightly in the second landing a clean overhand right. A ferocious right uppercut forced his opponents head backwards and brought about an eight count from the referee. Black stepped straight in throwing both hands before the referee jumped in to signal the end of the fight after only 1 minute had elapsed.

The referee scored the contest TKO 2 in favour of Ally Black who remains Unbeaten

 Hugh Gray, Glasgow V William Warburton, Atherton 4 X 3 minute round Welterweight contest

It was announced this was to be William Warburton’s 68th fight; he had been in with a few big names including Scotland’s current Commonwealth Light-Welterweight Champion Willie Limond, he took Willie the distance over 6 rounds in Dundee. This was Hugh Gray’s 4th Professional fight. Gray kept a good shape and worked everything off the jab. He looked very strong, forcing Warburton backwards by outstretching his left arm. Warburton started showboating by dropping his hands; Gray retaliated with a six punch combination. Gray dished out more jabs in the first 2 rounds than the NHS. Gray was rapidly putting the punches together in clusters, three straight lefts, two rights and a combination had Warburton trapped in the natural corner. Gray was outworking Warburton by a mile. It was more of the same in the 3rd. A flurry of punches from Gray took a decent uppercut on target from Warburton to get out of trouble. Warburton had his best round in the 4th. A seven punch combination followed by a double jab saw Gray extend his lead. Warburton did fight back, he was mainly content on throwing single shots. Gray particularly threw punches in bunches that was a deciding factor in the scoring of the fight.

The referee scored the contest 40-36 in favour of Hugh Gray who remains Unbeaten

 The Event was well organised, the fans were fantastic. The talent on display gave the punters value for money. The Show really was an Alex Morrison Christmas Cracker.

Saturday 2nd of November 2013

The weather was horrendous as I made my way west to Ayrshire, and there were times I had to slow down to 20 miles per hour. The windscreen wipers where going faster than Usain Bolt’s leg’s in the last 20 of the 100 metres.

This was the main event of the evening

Ryan ‘Electric’ Collins, Irvine V Mariusz Bak, Poland 6 X 3 minutes International Super-Featherweight contest.

The white stripes ‘Seven Nation Army’ was belting out the sound system, but I could hardly hear the intro music for the crowd screaming, there’s not been that much screaming in Ayrshire since the days of The Bay City Rollers. Ryan Collins made his way through the crowd to the ring like Moses coming through the Red Sea. Due to the last show being cancelled Collins came out his corner looking anxious to get on with his work. Southpaw Bak was mainly throwing single shots comprising of jabs and straight overhand lefts. Collins teed off with a straight left-right followed by a salvo of various punches, a stiff jab and a venomous body assault. In the 2nd round Collins was mostly leading with a thunderous right hand and adding an acrimonious left hook that shook the head of Bak who had little resolve. There was a good exchange of punches at the start of the 3rd, but Collins was now in his comfort zone, planting his feet on the ground and digging in with his shots, he stopped an oncoming Bak in his track with a jab and an accurate right to the body. His strength of punches was beginning to tell on Bak who was cut on the left eyebrow, and then above the right eye. The referee had to momentarily stop the fight to wipe the blood off Bak’s face. Collins rushed in and threw a solid accurate right-left, dipped and came back over the top with a nice left hook before the bell rang. The crowd were going wild; they had made a song up for Collins, and were singing that loud you’d think you were at a football match. In the 4th Collins came out banging with powerful straight right-left’s, Bak made an effort but the referee had to step in and stop the contest after only 46 seconds of the round.

The referee awarded the contest to Ryan ‘Electric’ Collins by TKO 4 and remains Unbeaten

Craig Docherty, Glasgow V Chris Jenkinson, Bolton 6 X 3 minutes Welterweight contest

Former Commonwealth Champion Hot Property Docherty had been out the ring for 3 years, so this was a big test in many ways for the Doc. In the early rounds Docherty was dominating his opponent primarily pummelling Jenkinson to the body with blistering shots, winding up his right hand as a decoy and unleashing more of the same. Docherty looked comfortable, setting the pace, utilizing excellent hip movement by slipping punches with ease. Docherty looked like he was having fun toying and teasing his opponent, the former champion commanded respect and Jenkinson did little more than oblige. The pace slowed down in the latter stages of the fight, Jenkinson let go a few punches in the last round but it was too little too late. As the bell signalled the end of the fight both boxers looked tired.

The referee scored the contest 60-55 in favour of Craig Docherty  

Sammy ‘The Bull’ Hill, Symington V Ryan Field, Chesterfield 4 X 3 minutes Welterweight contest

Field looked like a strong customer who threw slightly the larger volume of punches consisting of a variety of shots at the beginning of the fight, Hill was content to sit back, stick out the jab, doubling it up and throwing an overhand right at times. Hill covered up well, and was the more accurate puncher. Hill stepped up the pace employing the same tactics, a hard right hand from Field was returned in kind by a crisp sharp strong right to the head by Hill. An eye-catching left uppercut by field was followed by three flash jabs by hill. The Bull was in total charge by the 3rd landing strong stiff jabs that were taking their toll on Field, who by this time was cut above the left eye – it was an impressive round from Hill. He continued the same form in the last round bringing both hands into play more often. A snappy left-right from hill pushed Field back, but Field came back with a good left jab. Field moved Hill with a clean left hook; Hill came back with a three punch combination and a sturdy left-right that were bang on the money before the bell rang that brought closure to the end of a good fight.

The Referee scored the contest 39-38 in favour of Sammy ‘The Bull’ Hill  

 Michael Jameson, Irvine V Bheki Moyo, London 4 X 3 minutes Welterweight contest

This fight was all about debutant Michael Jameson; he was sticking out the jab like a pump action shot gun. He demonstrated an array of lightning fast punches that were hard to register by the human eye. Moyo threw a few swinging clubbing shots that were missing the target by a country mile, he did more ducking than John the Baptist. Jameson never let up in his attack; he even managed the Muhammad Ali shuffle mid way through the 3rd round. Jameson staggered Moyo with a straight left-right, totally outclassing his opponent. A left screw shot followed by another straight left-right burst the nose of Moyo, the blood was flying everywhere. Jameson’s back was covered in blood, but he worked away to the body and head before the final bell rang.

The referee scored the contest 40-36 in favour of Michael Jamieson

Hugh Gray, Glasgow V Lee Quinn, Wales 4 X 3 minutes Light-Welterweight contest

This looked like the makings of a good fight. Quinn stuck out a jab followed by big swinging right hand to the head that landed clean on the jaw of Gray who retaliated with a three punch combination. Quinn caught Gray with a left to the solar plexus; Gray landed a straight left-right, another overhand right put Quinn on the canvass. The referee stepped in and began a count of 8, however, before the referee finished the count he waved his hands in the air deeming Quinn was in no fit state to continue after only 53 seconds.

The referee awarded the contest to Hugh Gray by TKO 1 and remains Unbeaten 

Alex Morrison knows how to put on a good show, the atmosphere was fantastic and so was the crowd. You could summarize the night by saying there was definitely Fireworks at The Grand Hall.

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

ST Andrew’s Sporting Club

Est 1973

 September 24th Glasgow, Scotland

I arrived at the Club ahead of schedule and had the pleasure to hear all three speakers. Glasgow Warrior & Scotland Loose Head Prop Jon Welsh had some amazing stories to tell. The one that got me was when he finally got his chance to pull on the No 1 jersey to represent Scotland at the last minute, he was so excited, he pulled on the jersey, ran through the tunnel and onto the field then realized he forgot to put his shorts on, all he was wearing was a pair of boxer shorts from Asda – at least he had the crown jewels covered. Guest Speaker John McKelvie was so funny I almost fell off my chair.

Kris Carslaw, Paisley V Adam Grabiec, Poland 6 X 3 minute rounds International Light-Middleweight Contest.

British Title Contender Kris Carslaw had been out of action for 8 months; Adam Grabiec was a Champion in his homeland of Poland. Carslaw made his way to the ring to the tune of ‘Ready or not, here I come’, maybe the song was a premonition of what lay ahead for Grabiec. The man from Poland did not exuberate with the same confidence as Carslaw did when they stood in their respective corners. Carslaw came out putting more combinations together than a strand of DNA, he looked very smart and clever with everything he done. He stayed just out of his opponent’s range utilizing flawless footwork and working everything off the jab, he could easily step inside and unleash a venomous attack; it was turning into a master class of boxing. A smile from Carslaw, then an 8 punch rapid combination pretty much summed up what direction the fight was going. Carslaw was throwing around more leather than DFS, Grabiec had very little resolve and was starting to mark up around the left temple. Carslaw covered every bit of the ring like an Olympic gymnast, as if he was painting the canvass with his feet, I would have gave him 10 out of 10. At one stage Grabiec was caught with a body punch and almost slipped through the ropes buttocks first, but, determination, gravity and force of nature meant he managed to stay inside the ropes and receive more of the same. Carslaw switched from orthodox to southpaw seamlessly with equally dramatic effect. Grabiec had his best round in the 6th, but a fulminous combination from Carslaw, and an explosion of powerful shots followed by three consecutive uppercuts before the final bell sounded brought about closure to a one sided contest.

The referee scored the contest 60 – 54 in favour of Kris Carslaw.

Ronnie “The Shark” Clark, Dundee V Krzysztof Rogowski, Poland 6 X3 minute rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest.

The two boxers were southpaws; it was a fairly even start to the bout but unfairly Rogowski was lunging at Clark followed by a dipped head that brought about a cut above the left eye of Clark. The ‘Shark’ finished the round strongly with a variety of punches that staggered his man towards the ropes. Ragowski continued throughout the fight to lung at Clark with a punch followed by the head, and when both men were working against the ropes Ragowski would continually use his head to try to open up the cut on Clark’s eye. The corner men were doing a great job to abate the cut; however, Clark was landing the cleaner shots and the pure strength of the man was beginning to take its toll on Ragowski who resorted to holding at every opportunity. He began nodding at Clark as if to beg him forward, the ‘Shark’ advanced at a rate of noughts pounding his Polish usurper to the body and head, smiling throughout. Clark was in cruise control in the 5th, a lethal ‘Shark’ attack brought about a standing 8 count, and another savage onslaught that almost went round in a figure eight dropped Ragowski to the canvass again. The ‘Shark was sent to a neutral corner, where he threw his arms over the ropes and flung his legs in the air as the referee stopped the fight.

After 2 minutes and 15 seconds of the 5th round, the referee awarded the contest to Ronnie ‘The Shark’ Clark.    

Ryan McNicol, Glasgow V Barry Craig, Airdrie 4 X 3 minute rounds Lightweight Contest.

Ryan McNicol strolled to the ring to the tune of ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii, Whereas, Barry Craig marched his way in to the Proclaimers number ‘I’m on my way’. McNicol has a wealth of experience in the paid ranks and made his intentions crystal clear from the off, throwing tumultuous powerful overhand lefts, Craig kept a good shape behind a trusty jab, although, more often than not leading with the backhand. Barry Craig exhibited graceful footwork that made him extremely elusive for McNicol to land a decisive blow. Craig stepped up the work rate out-boxing his man landing clean and effective combinations; McNicol always looked dangerous swinging robust shots. It was the classic boxer against the fighter. McNicol was throwing every ounce of strength into his punches and began breathing heavily with his mouth open; Craig went about his business with an air of authority by sticking to boxing. He commanded the last round with an array of lightening punches, and a sturdy right hand to the head.

The referee scored the contest  39 – 37 in favour of Barry Craig, who remains unbeaten.   

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

 

  

The Ironworks is not the biggest venue I’ve been to but the fans were more vibrant and rejoicing than a Highland ceilidh.

Vacant International Masters Heavyweight Title contested over 10 X 3 minute rounds. 

Gary Cornish, Inverness V Paul Butlin, Melton Mowbray

Paul Butlin entered the ring via the balcony preceded by the St George’s Flag; it never went down too well with the partisan crowd.

Before the Highlander Gary Cornish made his way to the ring the sound system belted out these words “Sons of Scotland, I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my own countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny! You have come to fight as free men. And free men you are...  (The entire Braveheart Speech)

Announcer Craig Stephen got hold of the microphone and proceeded to pronounce his verbal signature, “The officials are ready, the boxers are ready, are you ready for the main event”.

Butlin began proceedings pushing his man back behind a solid jab and it’s only fair to say he had a reasonable amount of success. Cornish had a certain spring in his step while working his way in with the left throwing the greater amount of punches and looking well within his comfort zone. Cornish emerged from his stool early for the 2nd and he floated round his opponent throwing more punches than a young Cassius Clay, Butlin was floored but it was decidedly a shove and there was no count. Cornish was dominating the action letting go up to 5 punch combinations with little reply and this volume of work rate continued through the 3rd were he dishevelled his opponent  with an overhand right forcing his man against the ropes. Butlin was not at the races for the first 3 rounds but started to come into it in the 4th. I was hit on both eyebrows from the sweat of Gary Cornish who had steadied the ship and was picking his shots, he landed a vigorous right hand to the body, Butlin returned the gesture and a straight right almost on the bell from Cornish threw Butlin back into his own corner. A more confident looking Cornish began the 5th using the same tactics as the previous round, Butlin fought back gamely but was on the receiving end of precise jabs and hefty right’s to the body that were clearly taking their toll. With only 2 seconds of the round remaining Butlin dropped like an artic lorry falling from a tenement building holding his groin area and rolling around the ring as if he were being shot at with a machine gun, referee Kenny Pringle began the count. The referee awarded the contest to Gary Highlander Cornish by TKO 5 after 3 minutes and 8 seconds and he remains unbeaten.

Rhys Pagan, Sanquar and Robert Dixon, Gateshead, fought a Welterweight contest over 6 X 3 minute rounds. Dixon came off the jab working the old one-two; pagan had a cut or a graze above his eye at the end of the 1st. Dixon began forcing the contest, Pagan retaliated with pressure. It was a hard fought contest between two unbeaten fighters but somebody’s o had to go. Dixon seemed to be landing the cleaner shots and it reflected in the referee scoring the contest 58-56 in favour of Robert Dixon who remains unbeaten.

Drew Campbell, Colchester, and Scott Ross, Inverness, fought a Light-Middleweight contest over 6 X 2 minute rounds. This was an extremely one sided fight, Scott Ross out-manoeuvred, out-fought, and out-worked Campbell. The referee scored the contest 60-54 in favour of Scott Ross. 

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

Commonwealth Light-Welterweight Title 

Willie Limond, Glasgow V Mitch Prince, Cumbernauld

Bellahouston Leisure Centre, Glasgow

Willie has more experience on the big stage than Neil Diamond, his only losses have been to boxers that have went on to win world titles and he’s never lost a belt in the ring, on the other hand Mitch was making a significant but positive step up in class.

The bell rang and Prince launched into a three punch combination, there was a worthy exchange of punches before Limond unleashed three consecutive right hands and the last one put Prince down for the count of 8. Prince was straight back up taking the fight to Limond who landed another clean right to the head but this did not dismay his opponent who went through the gears like a Ferrari, Limond came on strong at the end round. Prince was a busy man in the 2nd as he came out jabbing and working his way in throwing numerous straight one-two’s to the head of Limond who was more intent on landing a critical punch. In the 3rd round the sheer volume of punches was coming from Prince, he even managed a close contact four punch combination, Limond threw a limited amount of clean shots but they were hitting the target. As the bell sounded for the 4th Prince shot out his corner like a bolt of lightning throwing a whirlwind of punches and the building erupted like an earthquake that might have shown up on the Richter scale, Limond persevered with his trusty right hand bringing the uppercut into play, Prince continued to throw straight left-right’s to the head. Prince remained active in the 5th but Limond was having a good round catching his man to the head and body and was on his toes dancing throwing straight punches towards the end of the round. Prince began the 6th behind the jab, Limond notably came back landing left hooks to the head, Prince doubled up the punches and there was a good exchange before Limond had the last say. Limond landed a straight one-two right on the button at the beginning of the round, both boxers traded blows, Limond carried on throwing single shots whereas Prince was putting together two/three punch combinations while landing a right to the body. At the start of the 8th Prince was all over Limond whose work rate had considerably dropped, the bandage on Prince’s glove came loose and the referee had to step in momentarily, Prince finished the round with little reply. A straight left-right and a big left hook to the head from Prince resulted in both men standing trading punches, Prince was back on the jab and Limond was lunging in with right and left hooks before the referee had a word with him for use of the head but they were back swapping blows till the bell rang. Prince was pushing his man back in the 10th round, you could clearly see the rope marks on Limond’s back it was a gutsy round from Prince who undoubtedly looked the more comfortable of the two. Prince emerged from his corner in the penultimate round looking lively, Limond was dancing away from his man and holding on when he got the chance, a solid left-right from Prince bounced off Limond’s head, it was all Prince, Limond was evidently tiring and Prince finished the round the aggressor. Limond was moving away from his man in the last landing a nice one-two followed by a solid left hook, Prince worked hard throwing continuous left-right shots to the head while pushing Limond off at times. The final bell rang, Willie Limond was gulping for air as if he had just run a marathon whilst in comparison Mitch Prince looked extremely composed as if he were at the starting line, I feel compelled to say this because I was hanging over the ropes with my camera at the end of the fight. The decision went to the judges’ scorecards. Judges’ Terry O Conner and Victor Loughlin scored the contest 115-113; Dave Parris scored the contest 116-112 all in favour of Willie Limond who retained his Commonwealth Title.     

 Gary McCallum, Castlemilk and Kieron Gray, Telford in a Middleweight contest over 6 X 3 minute rounds. McCallum was meant to be defending his Scottish Area Middleweight Title against Ryan Scott but the challenger pulled out 5 days before the fight. McCallum came out his corner behind the straight left, everything he did was off the jab whilst Gray was throwing single shots to the body. At the end of the 1st McCallum threw a straight left-right followed by a lovely left hook that landed bang on the target, it shook the head and feet of Gray and for a few seconds the fight looked done and dusted. Gray adapted a coiled stance making it harder for McCallum to penetrate his defence, swinging wild shots in hope opposed to accuracy, McCallum stuck to boxing his man as he glided round the ring gracefully letting the punches go. Gray made a bold bid in the later stages of the fight gaining reasonable success but McCallum was unfazed by his opponents’ effort. Although both boxers exchanged punches at close quarters McCallum was smart enough to out box his man opposed to getting embroiled in a war with his opponent whose only means of winning the fight was by way of knockout and ended the fight with a good left to the body of Gray. The referee scored the contest 59-56 in favour of 23 year old Gary McCallum who extends his unbeaten run to 10-0.  

Craig Kelly, Paisley and Chris Jenkinson, Bolton, engaged in a light-Middleweight contest over 6 X 2 minute rounds. The contest had the makings of a good fight in the 1st round but as the bout progressed Kelly began to dominate with a piston like jab managing a swift strong eight punch head and body combination in the 3rd round. Jenkinson was throwing single shots and doubling up at times but it was not enough to hold back Kelly who was growing in strength. Kelly had Jenkinson pinned in the neutral corner at the start of the last round, Jenkinson was tiring badly and Kelly threw an onslaught of punches at the end of the round where the bell seemed to be the sweetest sound Jenkinson heard all night. The referee scored the contest 59-55 in favour of Craig Kelly.  

The remaining results were as follows

Darren McAdam, Glasgow and Marek Laskowski, Aberdeen fought a hard close contest over 6 X 2 minute rounds at Light-Welterweight and it reflected on the referee’s scorecard that read 57-57 a draw.

Eddie Doyle, Glenboig and Youssef AlHamidi, Dewsbury conflicted in a Light-welterweight contest over 8 X 2 minute rounds. Doyle was out boxing Alhamidi, an accidental clash of heads in the fourth saw the fight being stopped in the 5th and the decision went to the referee’s scorecard that read 49-47 in favour of Eddie Doyle.

George Thomson, Stirling and Billy Smith, Stourport met in a Welterweight contest over 6 X 2 minute rounds. Thomson’s work rate and quantity of punches overwhelmed his opponent and the referee scored the contest 60-54 in favour of George Thomson.

The opening contest was between Jordan McCorry, Cambuslang and Kristian Laight Nuneaton who clashed in a Super-Featherweight contest over 4 X 3 minute rounds. McCorry stepped it up in the last two rounds and the referee scored the contest 39-37 in favour of Jordan McCorry.

It was a cracking night of boxing; the rival supporter’s voiced their opinions and seemed to chant almost in harmony. Something tells me they will be talking about the main fight for a long time to come because it should have been televised, that’s how good it was...  

WBO World Lightweight Title

Ricky Burns, Scotland V Jose Gonzalez, Puerto Rico

Emirates Arena, Glasgow

This was the main event of the evening, before the fighters made their way to the ring the crowd were treated to a couple of vibrant arousing songs that echoed around the arena as if you were at a party with thousands of likeminded people singing along to ‘Cheer Up Sleepy Jean’ by The Monkeys and a song that was brought back to life in the UK by the one and only Peter Kay, ‘Amarillo’. Two ring girls held flags representing both countries but the Gonzalez camp brought in a huge Puerto Rican Flag that almost stretched three quarters of the ring. The song they played for Gonzalez was a Latino number upon which a few brandies and a dance floor would have come in handy, Burns had a lone Scottish Piper playing ‘The Flower of Scotland’ on once outlawed Bagpipes. There was no one singing the song on the microphone so the announcer asked the huge crowd to join in, I was sitting 3 rows back from the ring and the crowd just burst into song and you could feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

When it was only Burns, switch-hitting Gonzalez and the American referee who were left in the ring his last word to the fighters were “God bless you”, both fighters touched gloves then the bell rang. Gonzalez came out and caught Burns with a good right to the body, Burns continued to persevere throwing straight shots to the head trying to find his distance and he had the look of a man who was desperate to impress throwing a vast volume of punches. Gonzalez looked a strong, cool customer working mostly to the body of Burns who was still headhunting procuring satisfaction at times. Gonzalez threw Burns away with his right hand 3rd and was starting to land some big shots, he demonstrated a variety of punches from all angles using good body movement from the hips. Gonzalez continued to work to the body, Burns started to double up the jab followed  by the rear hand, backing his man up as he continued to follow his man around the ring and landing a sterling body punch that resulted in the two boxers almost standing toe to toe pounding each other as if it were the last round. Gonzalez came out in the 5th trapping Burns against the ropes unleashing a volley of destructive punches and Burns just smiled at him before landing a clean stiff right, Burns was back against the ropes receiving more of the same from a man who had stopped 15 out of his last 16 opponents but finished the round pressing Gonzalez onto the back foot. Gonzalez looping long arms were catching Burns more often than not in the 6th; he looked like he was all out to stop his man, Burns was still showing itinerant footwork and caught Gonzalez with a cracking right hand. It was a big round for Gonzalez in the 7th, he was catching Burns with a lot of hefty blows from the middle of the ring to the ropes and for that moment it looked like a worrying time for Burns, however at the start of the 8th Burns was smiling and looking rejuvenated as he came out landing to the body and head, trapping Gonzalez against the ropes throwing explosive punches that must have left a telling concept of bewilderment to a man who had previously dominated the last few rounds. The crowd were on their feet singing ‘There’s only one Ricky Burns’, and it looked like the tide had turned. Gonzalez had been late in coming out his corner on more than a few occasions and he did the same in the 9th. Burns’ relentless style of boxing never let up and a couple of pulverizing body shots to either side of Gonzalez looked like he took the wind out his sails, Burns clearly won the round backtracking Gonzalez like a predator moving in for the kill. At the start of the 10th the referee looked round for Gonzalez who was gulping for air like a fish out of water but he was once again still on his stool and when he went over to confront the Puerto Rican, Gonzalez shook his head. The fight was over and within a couple of seconds Ricky’s Promoter Eddie Hearn jumped in the ring and lifted him in the air almost dancing with him. It was an incredible performance by Burns; he is an exciting fighter to watch and a true champion, he has now been in 8 WBO World Lightweight Championship fights and won the lot. This performance was a statement to the rest of the division and using Ricky’s own words “Say suhin”. The referee awarded the fight in favour of Ricky Burns due to Gonzalez retiring on his stool at the end of the 9th round.

Summary of the undercard

Vacant WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight Title over 12 X 3 minute rounds between John Simpson, Greenock and Choi, Mongolia who entered the ring wearing a furry Davy Crocket style hat. John Simpson’s facial expression never changed throughout the fight, Choi was more animated than a boy who fell of his bike going down a set of stairs. Simpson was by far the more accurate puncher although Choi threw punches in abundance. Simpson’s nose was burst by the 4th round making it harder to breath but it did not show in his work rate or ethics. Simpson stuck to boxing whereas Choi threw a lot of wild punches gaining success at times especially in the 8th round. Simpson started to let the punches go in the 9th. Choi started stalking Simpson which led to a few good exchanges. Simpson’s nose bleed was apparently visible over the remaining rounds but it did not have an effect on his superior precision punching. Choi worked very hard throughout the fight throwing more punches but Simpson stuck to his guns and was landing the cleaner shots. It was a hard fight to predict and after 12 rounds of boxing, the judges’ scorecards read 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113 all in favour of John Simpson who becomes the new WBO Inter-Continental Super-Featherweight Champion.

Vacant Celtic Cruiserweight Title over 10 X 3 minute rounds between Stephen Simmons, Edinburgh and Michael Sweeney, County Mayo. Simmons worked behind a solid jab followed occasionally by the rear hand. It was almost evident from the outset that Sweeney had his work cut out and a solid left hook from Simmons had his man down for the count of 8 in the 1st. Simmons totally dominated the 2nd finding range with straights, hooks and a healthy rear hand hammer before the bell sounded. Simmons stuck to his style of boxing with everything coming off the jab that knocked Sweeney’s head back twice in the 3rd, Sweeney tried to make a fight of it but a body shot followed by a sharp jab and right hook from Simmons had Sweeney confused and dismayed. Sweeney refused to get off his stool at the beginning of the 4th so the referee had no alternative to award the fight in favour of Stephen Simmons who remains unbeaten and is the new Celtic Cruiserweight Champion.  

David Brophy,Cauldercruix and Gary Boulden, Shepperton in a 6 X 3 minute Middleweight contest. Former Southern Area Champion Boulden started the fight well switching his attack from head to body. Brophy began to find the target in the second and stepped up his work rate, Boulden was finding it difficult to get through the tight defence of Brophy. Boulden was getting through on occasions but Brophy was in charge, a left hook rocked back Boulden’s head just after the halfway point. The 5th round was all Brophy, he was now in cruise control and picking his shots. When the bell rang for the last round Brophy was shadowing his man landing a hard left hook, Boulden put up a fight and there was a good couple of exchanges before the final bell rang. The man from Shepperton put up a brave performance but the referee scored the contest 58 -57 in favour of David Brophy who remains unbeaten.

English Super-Middleweight Champion Rocky Fielding, Liverpool and Michal Nieroda, Poland fought in a contest over 8 X 3 minute rounds. Rocky Fielding entered the ring to the tune of Eye of the Tiger, he looked very strong and confident and it showed as he came out with a vicious assault on Nieroda, a hard right to the body brought about a count of 8. Fielding absolutely overpowered his man and the referee had to step in and award the contest to Rocky Fielding RSC 1st and still remains unbeaten.

Michael Roberts, Glasgow and southpaw Mariusz Bak, Brentford fought in a Super-Featherweight contest over 6 X 3 minute rounds. Michael Roberts wore tartan shorts the length of a kilt that were divided into strips like a set of curtains, they looked very flashy and so did his boxing. Roberts started with a three punch combination and a single jab that forced his opponents head back, he procured a fighting style that kept him out of trouble in the early rounds and allowed him to land classy clever eye catching blows but his opponent was up for it, a clash of heads in the 3rd round left Roberts with a gash on the corner of his eye that needed seven stitches after the fight. Roberts’ corner men done a good job on the eye, he looked sharp and slick at the start off the 4th, Bak was continually coming forward and slipped through the ropes near the end of the round. In the 5th Roberts showed some clever boxing to dismay his opponent but Bak was having a good round catching Roberts with a few quality hooks. Bak hardly took a backward step throughout the fight and in the last round a straight rear hand knocked Roberts across the ring. The referee announced the decision 58 – 57 in favour of Michael Roberts and he remains unbeaten.

Johnathan Slowey, Glasgow and Eddie Nesbitt, Belfast squared up in a Super-Featherweight contest over 6 X 3 minute rounds. Nesbitt came into the fight with 3 straight wins - 2 inside the distance, while Slowey was unbeaten in 13 fights. Slowey has great ring craft, body movement and is a stylish boxer but Nesbitt was taking the fight to him working hard in the opening round. Slowey started to double up the jab effectively, a solid right hand from Nesbitt and a straight rear hand to the body by Slowey. Nesbitt was relentless in coming forward throwing combinations and Slowey had to be resilient with his body movement to deter his man, however, he did manage to knock Nesbitt to the canvass in the 3rd round. In the 4th Nesbitt caught Slowey in the corner and unloaded a bombardment of punches, you could see the determination in the man. Slowey went back on the jab, counter punching his man with a neat rear hand hook. There was a good exchange in the 5th round, Slowey was landing cleaner punches but Nesbitt looked strong and in the last round it was almost all Nesbitt who was landing big straight left-right shots and clearly knocked Slowey’s head back. The referee scored the contest 58 -56 in favour of Jonathan Slowey who remains unbeaten.

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan

It was an immense evening of boxing, Ricky Burns showed tremendous heart and resolve against a worthy opponent and It was a magnificent Emirates Arena debut for Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Promotion’s.