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Matthew Hatton SHOCKS the Boxing World – British Boxing News

Throughout the build-up towards his intriguing eight rounder against Chingford’s Mike Lomax, former European ruler, Matthew Hatton, insisted he had to look impressive against the past Prizefighter winner. That statement was brutally realised as a relentless Hatton forced an opening round intervention from third man, Steve Gray, after a crunching right hand to the body sent Lomax sprawling. The superior height and reach possessed by Lomax did not come into the fight once as Hatton forced his way past his opponent’s defences with quick jabs and hooks. After some messy opening exchanges which Hatton always had the last word, the Manchester man fired in long right hand that connected with Lomax’s midsection that dropped him to his knees instantly. Despite rising at nine, Lomax repeatedly shook his head at Gray which enabled the official to make a wise call. The road back for Lomax is a long one as Hatton now looks forward to a minor world title shot 2013.

Enfield’s Courtney Fry breathed furious fire back into his stop-start career as he earned an impressive victory over fancied Preston prospect, Matty Clarkson, over six rounds. The Liverpool based boxer was the busiest of the pair from the opening bell but it wasn’t until the third round that he began to stamp his authority on the bout.

Clarkson’s unguarded target became easier to hit as the fight grew longer as he tried desperately to close the lead that Fry was gaining with each passing stanza. Fry’s right uppercut was a useful weapon that connected several times but Clarkson stayed game until the final bell where he was handed the wrong side of a 59-56 scoreline.

Heywood’s Kieran Farrell maintained his unbeaten ledger with a one-sided victory over Bulgaria’s Kristian Dochev. A cut above Farrell’s right eye caused by an accidental clash of heads early on did not deter the Central Area lightweight champion who went about his work like a true professional. Farrell tried desperately to remove the fight from the hands of the scoring referee but Dochev remained firm until the fight’s end despite a few wobbly moments. Farrell moves to 14-0 and a defence of his regional title should be next.

Manchester’s Hosea Burton celebrated the birth of his new born baby boy with a four round success over the oft-durable, James Tucker. Burton put his lofty advantage to great use from the outset as he was able to utilise his long right-cross with alarming ease. As the battle wore on, Doncaster’s Tucker aimed to work at closer range to eliminate this threat but the new tactic only had minimal success as Burton connected at a regular rate. Burton progresses to 5-0 with this 40-36 verdict.

The Midlands derby between Birmingham’s Nasser Al-Harbi and Walsall’s Mark Lloyd was decided by the cleaner work of the former, who looked impressive in stages. This contest had its messy moments throughout and any chances of a consistent flow were repeatedly undone by both fighters’ willingness to hold. A point deduction suffered by Al-Harbi only proved to be a minor dent on the scoresheet as he was awarded a 59-57 result from Alvin Finch.

Popular Barrow boy, Liam Conroy, showed more glimpses of his potential as he made it two wins from two against Dan Blackwell. The Trowbridge toughman earned every penny of his purse as he was punished frequently by the impressive Conroy. Left hooks to both body and head made Blackwell uncomfortable on multiple occasions but his ability to survive ensured that his proud record of never being halted advances. A score of 40-37 was justified.

Two Coldwell Boxing debutants made winning starts to their professional careers in contrasting fashions. Liverpool’s Anthony Jevons continued his vest reputation as an exciting crowd-pleaser as he dragged Pavel Senkovs into a four round demolition duel. Senkovs didn’t back down and was successful with a couple of right hands but the better attacks came from Jevons who was rightfully handed a 39-37 tally on his maiden outing.

Macclesfield’s Liam Hanrahan debut was a dream one as he took only 71 seconds to dispatch of lively Bulgarian import, Blagoy Ivanov. Wearing a grin for most parts of the introductions and the small action that took place, Ivanov’s smile was removed via the quick hands of Hanrahan who forced an intervention from the Gray following a neutral corner barrage. The stoppage seemed a little premature but there were no complaints from Ivanov or his corner.

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