Ringside Boxing Report: Rendall Munroe vs. Kiko Martinez + Undercard

**With Massive Slideshow**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

On Friday night at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham, England, Rendall Munroe – the Boxing Binman from Leicester – faced champion Kiko Martinez of Alicante, Spain for the European Super Bantamweight title on a Frank Maloney Promotions show billed as “The Matador Versus The Bull “.

Rendall “2Tone” Munroe looked cool in his shades as he entered the ring to the sounds of ‘Jammin’ by Bob Marley. The Champion, Martinez, had support from the Spanish fans that had travelled to England and made his entrance to Spanish music but maybe he should have entered to the sounds of “It’s my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to,” because it was his 22nd birthday and he wasn’t going to be getting the present he wanted!

“Who are ya?” the British fans taunt as Martinez faces up to Munroe.

“La Sensacion” has never been beaten in an amateur or pro fight, having a perfect 17 wins out of 17 fights with most by KO in the first three rounds, his most notable win being over Bernard Dunne last August when he made light work of the Irishman in the opening round. Tonight was to be the first defense of his European Super Bantamweight belt.

From the start, it seemed that Martinez was looking for a quick KO. The champion wants to get in close, but Munroe wants to keep him at range with a ’flick’ of a jab. First minute of round three and Martinez throws a powerful left hand punch which makes Munroe wince and it’s the first indication of the power of the Spaniard’s punches.

Munroe had great movement and throughout the contest, from where I was positioned, it seemed that he was thinking about every step. Wide-bodied Martinez throws less but more targeted punches, achieving a good success rate. Munroe throws a lot more punches but isn’t as accurate.

“Rendall, Rendall..” the crowd cheers.

A busier round eight for Munroe as he backs Martinez onto the ropes and throws a barrage of irritating little shots – many of which land on the gloves of the Spaniard, but they‘re enough to frustrate the Champion, who is still looking to throw a big hook.

At times during this fight, boo’s rang around the leisure centre at the lack of action. There were periods where no punches were thrown as the two men circled the ring, then there would be short bursts of activity.

Munroe’s wrist bears a tattoo bearing the inscription “those who try, succeed” and no one can deny he boxed a smart fight ,keeping calm and focussed. In fact, by round twelve, he looks no more tired now than he did in the first!

It was not the ‘sensational’ fight we expected from ‘La Sensacion’! I think Martinez relied on landing the big punch. Munroe was the busier fighter and it came as no surprise that he won, even if it was by majority decision.

Afterward, Munroe said he’d been sparring with heavy opponents and when asked by Sky TV’s Ed Robinson, “how hard were his punches?” – Munroe replied “Nothing spectacular!”
He was clearly delighted by the victory but said “I’ll be back on the bins on Tuesday!”

Munroe improves to 14-1 (6) while Martinez drops to 17-1 (14).

Ringside Boxing Report: Nottingham Undercard

There was also some great undercard action at Nottingham. The shock-result of the night came in the heavyweight contest between Belfast’s prospect Scott Belshaw and Russian journeyman Daniel Peret.

Belshaw failed to shine against the shorter, less-conditioned physique of Peret and the Russian was amazed and delighted to score a points win over the favourite. Asking trainer Jimmy McGill, “Did I win?”, Peret excitedly declared – “I don’t believe it, I won !” and clearly enjoyed his few minutes of stardom as he posed for cameras!

Peret improves to 12-12 (3) while the 6 foot 7 inch tall Belshaw loses his first to drop to 7-1 (6).

Stoke’s Gary Reid had a tough night against lanky Scott Haywood of Derby in a six round light welterweight contest. Stable-mate Scott Lawton’s shouts of encouragement weren’t enough for Reid as he lost on points to the popular, nicely progressing “Super” Scotty Haywood.

Haywood has lost just once in three years, a points verdict to “Fireball” John Fewkes in 2006, and he climbs to 17-2 (3) while Reid loses his third on the bounce and stands at 13-19-1 (8).

Highly seasoned Belfast light heavy Brian Magee, 30-3-1 (19), outpointed Tyrone Wright, 7-2-1 (3), of Nottingham over six rounds

Cardiff’s Gary Buckland, 13-0 (5), stopped Alexander Spitjo, 4-4 (3), of Mansfield in three at lightweight.

Light heavyweight Adie Whitmore, 7-0 (4), of Alfreton outpointed Hamid Jamalli, 9-5 (1), of Birmingham after four rounds.

Nottingham light heavy Rod Anderton, 10-2-1 (3), defeated Mark Nielsen, 6-6 (2), of Sale on points over four rounds.

Light heavyweight Rasham Singh Sohi, 3-0 (1), of Leicester stopped Phill Goodwin, 2-0 (1), in the fourth and featherweight Barrington Brown, 5-3-1 (2), of Nottingham outpointed Peter Allen, 5-29-2 (0), of Birkenhead over four.