and each match-up on the bill was a mini-drama in it’s own right and downright competitive. In each instance, a raucous St. Patrick’s Day weekend crowd backed local fighters to the hilt and except for Neil Sinclair, they all went home victorious. A good time was had by all, with Eamonn Magee’s third round destruction of Allan Vester the highlight of the night. So come along for the ride as SaddoBoxing.com presents a night at the fights at historic King’s Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Gorman doesn’t stop trying to get close to the taller novice and with determination bores in, scoring well but taking punishment as well from the more skilled Haughian.
By the fourth and final round, the Irishman has pulled far enough ahead due to some gritty bodywork and good combinations to gain the referee’s decision and win the close contest 39-38.
Jones was on his bike from the start as Murray advanced tactically with guard held high. | © Richard Eberline |
This scenario worked much better for Murray as Jones’ face began to show the marks of over-exertion and too many punches taken. | © Richard Eberline |
In the end, Jones’ bravery and willingness to trade were just not enough in the face of a bigger and better fighter. Murray’s edge in every department took their toll as he caged the referee’s decision,leaving his opponent to the care of his corner-man tending to several cuts.
Michael Pass announced the next pairing, which featured local heavyweight and former British amateur ABA champion Martin Rogan (orange trunks) against journeyman Billy Bessey. The crowd, now well into the spirit of the evening, was really ratcheting up the volume of support.
© Richard Eberline |
Of the two, Rogan looked to be in much better shape than Bessey and started the fight in earnest, stalking the cautious opponent. |
Inevitably, Rogan’s higher quality would allow him to get Bessey into position to dish out some punishment before the inevitable clinch would take place. |
The opponent was not without bite however, as Rogan discovered that he had to use a bit of caution while approaching Bessey. At the end of the day, Rogan had won every round and was to no one’s surprise declared the victor 40-36.
The next bout was probably the most difficult to judge of the night. Dublin favorite Jim “The Pink Panther” Rock (pink trunks) had the much better record and was the reigning Irish middleweight champion. Michael Monaghan, from the English Midlands, had the reputation of a spoiler but was also somewhat of a journeyman. It was apparent from the start that Monaghan was presenting the upright Rock with angles, deep bends along with sudden starts and stops as they eyed each other in the first round.
In turn, Rock had little trouble finding the target however as Monaghan’s defense was nothing near as tricky as his offense. |
While some felt Monaghan had done enough to win, Rock’s steadiness and higher quality work won out over the opponent’s awkward tactics and busier style producing a 78-74 points victory.
The crowd was nearing fever pitch at this time as Sinclair had the reputation as a big puncher and Jones had been talking up the fight in the press in the buildup. Clearly, this was expected to be a worthy co-feature to Magee-Vester.
Jones (black and red trunks) wasted little time as he came to grips with Sinclair in short order. |
The audience roaredas the two swapped hard punches with abandon, impressing everyone with their competitive fire. |
Soon the action was in the near corner and Jones was bulling inside on Sinclair as the two continued to throw at close quarters. |
Suddenly Sinclair’s head appeared to be covered in blood. The referee quickly brought the former champion over while corner-man Dean Powell cleared the cut above Sinclair’s hairline. The referee ruled the action could continue but as the laceration was gushing, the ringside physician was brought in for a look.
The fight was halted and while the crowd was disappointed, no one who could see the amount of blood that was flowing from the wound questioned the decision to stop the contest. |
Part Two of this fantastic in-depth Belfast photo report Tomorrow
Richard Eberline can be reached at richardeberline@fastmail.fm