The magnificent Winter Gardens, Blackpool played host to the Barry Hearn/Matchroom Sport Boxing event last night where Michael Hunter defended his European Super-Bantam weight Title for the fourth time, this time against former French Champion - Tuncay Kaya.

12 x 3 minutes - European Super-Bantam Weight Contest
Michael Hunter (Hartlepool) vs. Tuncay Kaya (France)

Entering the ring in his trademark “camouflage’ gear - Hunter had great support from his fans who had made the trip across to Blackpool..

Both boxers had an impressive first round - full of action, though Hunter, the taller fighter, landing more powerful punches. Kaya threw a lot of wild punches but still a lot were landing.

Kaya put loads of effort into Round 2, continually pushing forward but - he’s not know as a “hitter’ - and Hunter didn’t look phased by the shots.

Kaya was busy again during round 3. He seemed to really ’want’ the fight more than Hunter at this stage though he did walk on to a couple of right hooks at the end of the round - which looked to daze him slightly.

Hunter had a better round 4 particularly the second half of the round in which he landed some right punches cleanly on Kaya. It just looked that Hunter didn’t have as much motivation as Kaya and the French-man flew around the ring wildly throwing punches.

In the closing minute of Round 5, Hunter lands some accurate right punches to Kaya who’s head rocks back under the force of the shots, but he still comes forward with more punches forcing Hunter back against the ropes.

In the first half minute of round 6, Kaya slips over and the crowd cheer! Mid-way through the round, Hunter sustains a cut to his left eye-brow and Kaya is further encouraged.

Rounds 7 and 8 - the work-rate continues from Kaya. Overall, he’s a scrappy wild puncher - but very busy, bags of effort and determination - the busier of the 2 fighters but Hunter has the better success rate in terms of punches landed.

With just over a minute of round 9 remaining, Hunter lands some accurate punches and Kaya looks visibly rocked for a few seconds. Now Hunter looks like he’s taking some control of the fight. Kaya is looking a bit more tired now but still he forces Hunter back against the ropes.
With 50 seconds of the round to go, Hunter lands a body-shot that sweeps across the chest of Kaya and he drops to his knees for a count. Amazingly, Kaya did not get up from the count - looking bewildered he stayed on the canvas and the Referee waved the end of the fight.
Kaya’s corner were furious! It seemed that Kaya was confused and misunderstood the count.

Hunter wins on a “count-out’ in 2 mins and 59 seconds of the 9th Round

Other bouts included:

Michael Jones (Liverpool) vs. Sergey Starkov
6 x 3 minute Light Middle-weight Contest
Jones wins on Points (60:54)

Francis Jones (Darlington) vs. Stuart Elwell (Darlaston)
8 x 3 minute Welterweight Contest
Elwell wins by KO

Richard Turba (Liverpool) vs. Paul David (Northampton)- Late Substitute
6 x 3 minute Light-Heavyweight Contest
Paul David wins on Pts (57:56)

Paul Truscott (Middlesborough) vs. Billy Smith (Stourport)
4 x 3 minute Light-Welterweight
Truscott wins on Pts (40:37)

Click to read more boxing articles by Jane Warburton

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