Ringside Boxing Report: Jamie Ambler vs. Ojay Abrahams
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
Last night at the Watford Colosseum in Watford, England, World Sports Organisation promoter Jon Feld presented a night of boxing which would be memorable in more ways than one!
Although not the main event, home-boy Ojay Abrahams faced Jamie Ambler of Aberystwyth in a four round super middleweight contest which was to ʽheraldʼ Abrahamsʼ 17 year career and 100th professional fight.
Even more ʼspecialʼ was the fact that veteran trainer Billy Graham would be in Abrahams’ corner. ʽThe Preacherʼ would be at his last fight – having retired from boxing this week after being sacked by the Hattons. This was going to be both men’s professional farewell and an emotional night was expected, but sadly it wasnʼt to end well for ʽMe, Myself and Iʼ.
Entering the ring alongside Graham, Kerry Kayes and Mick Williamson, Abrahams was dressed like a ʽwizardʼ in pointed hat and black cape, which bore the number ʽ100ʼ in gold. The crowd were all on their feet as they clapped their respect for both Abrahams and Graham.
It was a steady first round as both men settled in, but as the bell signaled the end of the round, referee Bob Williams jumped in to ensure the two fighters separated.
As he did so, Abrahams hesitated, it seemed that he thought Ambler had ʽmouthedʼ to him but from my camera angle, it was unclear as to what had bothered him, before he stepped forward and blatantly punched Ambler in the face, well after the bell had sounded and while the referee was still there between them.
Williams was furious and immediately called off the contest, disqualifying Abrahams. The atmosphere in the venue suddenly changed. We were aghast at the actions of Abrahams and the crowd too were stunned. What should have been a very special night for Abrahams and Graham would end up being notable for another reason.
Graham, Kayes and Williamson were quiet and did not argue with the decision, although Abrahams made some verbal protests directed towards reporters and BBBof C official Simon Block.
A delighted Jamie Ambler improves to 5 wins and 19 losses.
The MC gave credit to Abrahams and Graham afterward in recognition of their years in boxing. Abrahams bowed to the crowd and a clearly emotional Billy Graham nodded his thanks as everyone applauded.