Boxing News Boxing News
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
There was a great atmosphere inside the famous Blackpool Tower, in Blackpool, England, on Saturday night night as Steve Wood’s VIP Boxing promoted a seven-fight card billed as ’Power at the Tower’.
At the foot of the Tower the Circus Arena is a stunning venue with tiered seating encircling the boxing ring trapeze ladders hung from above off a beautiful ornate ceiling.
First out was popular Bolton middleweight Alex Matvienko, who faced Davey Jones of Nottingham. It was a good first round for Matvienko with a couple of solid rights. But a great left hook from Matvienko in round two saw Jones taking the count from Referee Steve Grey.
Jones looked reluctant to continue and Grey called a halt to the contest. It was an impressive second round TKO for Matvienko, who climbs to 10-0-2 (3). Jones drops to 8-12-1 (0).
There was huge support for light middleweight home-boy, Jack Arnfield. Having another change of opponent at just a weeks’ notice, Arnfield now faced David Kirk of Liverpool.
6 foot 2 inch tall Arnfield, hailing from Bobby Rimmer’s Boxing Academy, looked impressive throughout.
Despite his 18 years of age, he gave a mature performance. Using a mix of shots and combinations, the rangey boxer looked polished and focussed. “Beautiful,” Rimmer shouted from his corner position.
Arnfield wins on points after six two minute rounds and takes his record to 4-0 (2) while Kirk falls to 11-68-3 (0).
Arnfield’s stablemate, light middle Brian Rose, also of Blackpool, came out to big support from the home-crowd. But it was a tough night for Rose, who faced southpaw “Manoo” Manocha Salari from the Ingle Gym in Sheffield.
It was a difficult first round for Rose, “Keep your hands up, Bri !” shouted Rimmer. In the second, Rose looks to be saved by the bell as “Manoo” lands a couple of heavy shots which seem to daze the local man, in the closing seconds of the round.
Rose covers up well during round three, keeping tight, but every now and then he launches a straight shot at the Iranian. It’s a better finish to the round for Rose.
Round four and a straight right shot from Rose snaps back the head of Salari. Rose looks tired but he has a good round, pinning his rival against the ropes. Salari does a lot of showboating’in round five. “He’s resting, Bri !” Rimmer shouts.
Round six and both men sense that it could all be decided on this last round so they both give it all they’ve got. Referee Grey raises both hands aloft to signal a draw. It was deemed a ’fair’ decision by some around ringside.
Rose looked visibly annoyed and disappointed with himself afterward, but it was a tough fight and he still has an unbeaten record of 7 straight wins and 1 draw against no losses. Salari moves to 4-5-3 (3).
Other fights on Saturday nights’ “Power at the Tower” bill, included:
Martin Murray (St.Helens) v Dean Walker (Sheffield)
6 x 2 Rounds Middleweight Contest
There was huge support for Murray who wins on points against Ingle-trained Walker, taking his record to 3 wins.
Chris Johnson (Manchester) v David Murray
6 x 2 Rounds Middleweight Contest
It was a good old ‘scrap’ between these two – with Johno forcing a 5th round stoppage over last minute opponent Murray.
Jon Kays (Manchester) v Steve Gethin (Walsall)
6 x 2 Super Featherweight Contest
An action-packed fight with Kays winning his fourth fight on points.
Richard (Ricky) Goddins (Bolton) v Senol Dervis
6 x 2 Rounds Welterweight Contest
Late opponent Dervis put up a good effort but (despite the ‘Promises’ ! ) – could not defeat Boltons’ Ricky Goddins who wins on points in his second pro fight.
