By Chris Williamson
London, Copper Box - Bradley “Super" Skeete (now 27-1) now keep the beautiful Lonsdale belt for ever after his third successful defence of the British welterweight title with a unanimous decision against Dale Evans (now 13-4-2) here at the Copper Box arena.
Skeete is highly ranked by the WBO and is targeting new champ at the weight, Jeff Horn.
The challenger started positively, landing with a sharp left hook in the first as the pensive looking champion struggled to established his range through the early sessions.
The squat Evans evaded Skeete’s jab by bobbing and weaving as he gained further in confidence and sensed this may be a below par champion. Evans wore the words “Iron Mike” on his shorts as a moving tribute to Mike Towell who lost his life following their bout in 2016. After the terrific bouts which preceded it, this one had a subdued air as spoiled East London punters grew restless.
Skeete moved around the ring well and was able to land as the bout reached its final third but the spite from recent contests appeared missing. Still its a useful 12 rounds in the bank as Skeete positions himself for a likely world title challenge over the next year.
'Ferocious” Darryll Williams (now 16-0) won a majority decision against Jahmaine Smyle (now 14-6-2) as the two served up another belter in a rematch of their April war for the English super middleweight title.
Smyle took the opener with his sharper work and in the early stages as Williams’ pressure seemed less marauding than in the memorable first clash.
In the third Wi'lliams reverted to type and his efforts paid immediate dividends as a right dropped Smyle to his haunches as the fight took on a similar pattern to fight one.