Boxing News Boxing News
Last night at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London Frank Warren Promotions hosted a fight night headlined by a Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title defence.
The Champion, classy boxer Nathan Cleverley of Cefn Forest, Wales, faced Billy Boyle, the likable Sheffield boxer.
This was to be ‘Clev’s’ third defence of the title he won when he fought Tony Oakey in October last year and there was no doubting that this was a big opportunity for Boyle – who had just one loss to his name – ironically to Tony Oakey.
But despite a big effort from Boyle, it was clear that this would be a short fight. Cleverley used body-shots and uppercuts with success from the start.
Boyle was in trouble from a barrage of shots in round two and ‘caring’ trainer Glyn Rhodes made the decision to call a stop to the contest.
Boyle – suffering a grazed left eye – was clearly upset at the stoppage, but afterward trainer Rhodes told Sky Presenter Ed Robinson that Boyle ‘was taking too many shots early on in a 12 round fight.’
Nathan Cleverley retains his Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title by second round stoppage and now faces Norwich boxer Danny McIntosh for the vacant British title.
‘Mighty’ Kevin Mitchell made his welcome return to the ring last night after an eleven month ‘break’. Commonwealth super feather champ Mitchell, of Dagenham stepped in to fight Ghanaian Lanquaye Wilson in a non-title bout after former triple bantamweight champion Michael Brodie pulled out of what should have been his ‘come-back’ fight after a four year gap.
Winning by stoppage Mitchell potentially secures a world title shot against WBO Champ Roman Martinez. Mitchell’s impressive record now stands at 28 wins (21 by KO) and no losses.
Perhaps the most entertaining fight of the night was the clash between heavyweights Derek Chisora of Finchley, London, and Paul Butlin of Melton Mowbray.
Chisora (aka Del Boy) sinks in the body-shots in the opening round. Tattooed Butlin goes down in the first frame but isn’t counted.
Round three sees Butlin falls head-first through the ropes almost landing on the floor!
But round five is perhaps the most notable. When the two men are grappling together, Butlin suddenly ‘pulls away’ gesturing to his ear. Referee Dave Parris did not see the incident but ‘replays’ clearly show Chisora ‘biting’ Butlins ear in true Holyfield vs. Tyson style!
Later in the round Chisora is warned for the ‘verbal’ he’s giving his opponent. Round six sees Chisora get a point deducted for punching after being told to ‘break’.
Round seven sees Butlin ‘wobbled’ from Chisora’s solid punches. Falling backwards, Butlin remains semi-upright only because the ropes have supported him. Referee Parris administers the eight count and boxing continues with Chisora ploughing in with some big clubbing punches but Butlin survives the round.
Chisora gets the points win, 79-72, and Promoter Frank Warren confirms that Del Boy will face Danny Williams in the Summer.
Chisora’s record improves to 10 wins (5 by KO).
