EX FOOTBALLER CURTIS WOODHOUSE WINS FIRST PRO FIGHT

ICB · 09-09-2006 01:03 PM

Footballer-turned-boxer Curtis Woodhouse won his debut pro fight with an easy win over Dean Marcoantonio at London's Grosvenor House.
The former England under-21 midfielder won 40-35 on points on Friday after twice flooring his Kent opponent.

Woodhouse, who moved from Sheffield United to Birmingham for £1m in 2001, turned down a new contract and quit Grimsby at the end of last season.

Woodhouse fought confidently, despite never boxing as an amateur.

He put the fight beyond doubt in the final round, flooring Marcoantonio with a left hook.

The Londoner beat the count only to be knocked down again with another left straight through the middle.

It's going to be a long, hard road but it's going to be good

Curtis Woodhouse
Woodhouse said: "I feel brilliant. It felt great to get my first win out of the way.

"The worst thing was all those people here watching me. I burnt a lot of nervous energy in the dressing room but as I go on I'll learn and improve.

"I caught him with a beautiful left hook and he did well to get up.

"I felt I could have boxed better, and have done in the gym, but I have to be pleased with the win considering it was the first time I've ever boxed in public.

"There are always things you can do better and I know I will improve."

Woodhouse now wants his promoter Frank Warren to arrange another fight as soon as possible.

"I'm ready to go again right now," he said.

"I'm looking to fight as often as I possibly can. Obviously, with not having had any amateur fights, it's a case of cramming in as much as I can and learning as I go.

"It's going to be a long, hard road but it's going to be good."

**GAME** · 09-09-2006 01:28 PM

Wasnt impressed.

His balance , coordination , footwork and defence all need alot of improving . He's got along way to go but Mark Antonio gave him a handful and even rocked his composure in the 1st .

**superheavyrhun** · 09-09-2006 02:28 PM

I agree with Game, Woodhouse has got a steep learning curve ahead of him if he wants to go on for British honours as he says he does. His defence wasn't special, and he got caught out a few times, especially early on, and by the third he was looking a little tired, and took the foot of the gas a little. I can't believe the ref gave him that second, Antonio put in his all that round, and was way ahead in that round.
But, Woodhouse is packing a good left hand which I was impressed with, and he looks to be a bit of a scrapper rather than a boxer, but all the best to him, there's no £10,000 per week wages in the boxing game for him.