Ringside Boxing Report: Terry Dunstan vs. Paul Bonson

ByJane Warburton


© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Friday night at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, England, Glyn Rhodes promoted a five contest fight night. The original headliner should have been the bout between local boxer Billy Boyle and Northamptons Paul David for the vacant British Masters title, but a last minute change of opponent saw this contest changed to a six rounder.

Instead, Boyle – “The Peoples Poet” – now faced Latvian boxer Martin Kukuls. Kukuls seemed to be enjoying the occasion as he came out for the start of the contest, but the smiles were soon wiped off his face by a determined Boyle.

Boyle had his opponent backed up against the ropes for most of the time using the right hook to the body against a defensive Kukuls. Under attack from Boyle – the Latvian dropped to his knees against the ropes in round three and could not make the count. A jubilant Boyle improves to 10-0 (7).

Popular Ross “The Boss” Burkinshaw came back after a shoulder injury to win in spectacular style over Mike “Hollywood” Holloway in a scheduled four round bantamweight contest. The former “Rifles” man was keen to impress after suffering a dislocated shoulder in his last contest in February and there was no doubt as to his form when he made short work of the Leeds man in round one. Burkinshaw’s record now stands at 5-1-1 (3).

Local Boxer Lee “Brown Sugar” Edwards faced workhorse David “Kirky” Kirk in a four round light middleweight contest. Fresh from the success of his impressive title win against Alex Mattvienko last month – Edwards looked to be enjoying the four rounder against Kirky. Using straight lefts and rights, Edwards fought well against the tough southpaw and securing a 40-36 points win. Edwards improves to 9-1 (1).

Making his pro-debut last night was Sheffield boxer Wayne Reed who faced Paul Royston, also from Sheffield, in a six round middleweight contest. Reed dominated the fight – practically chasing his opponent round the ring. Royston landed a big shot in the last round but it was too little too late for the experienced fighter who – with bloody nose – relinquished a 60-56 points win. Reed scoring his first pro win on points.

The fight which raised perhaps the most interest was that of former European and British Cruiserweight Champion Terry Dunstan and Paul Bonson as they came out for a four round cruiserweight contest. 39 year old Londoner Dunstan had not fought since 1999 but now faced experienced Yorkshire man Bonson. Landing a number of straight lefts, Dunstan scored a good points win over Bonson, 40-36. Dunstan’s record now stands at 20-2 (12).