Haughian confident despite “Pazmanian Devil” backing for Walsh
Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7th. Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.
“To be fighting so close to home is a dream come true and to fight for the Irish title is the icing on the cake,” said the Lurgan man. Haughian’s only up close and personal look at Walsh came when he appeared on the Leesider’s undercard in Cork two years ago and he says he saw enough night to know he can win.
“He’s the kind of guy that just comes out swinging,” said Haughian. “He doesn’t take a backward step so it should be a good fight. He’s a decent right hand and a good left hook and I’m sure he’ll start fast but I’m confident and my preparations couldn’t have gone any better so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”
Walsh is also quietly confident ahead of the first defence of his title and former two weight World Champ Vinny Pazienza has already made it known that he’s a fan of the Cork man.
Pazienza, who was known as the “Pazmanian Devil” during his fighting days is familiar with Walsh from his time in the U.S. The Rhode Island native enjoyed a glorious career that included an amazing comeback from a broken neck suffered in a car accident.
Since retiring in 2004 Pazienza has concentrated on TV work and he likes what he’s seen of Walsh. “I like Billy, he's just a naturally tough guy who comes out banging. He's got some boxing skills but he's a tough SOB to go with it.
“He looks really good, has tons of ability and has a lot of amateur experience too. He’s known as ‘Billy Boy’ but I think they should change his nickname to ‘Hammerin’ Billy Walsh because he throws tons of punches and is heavy handed.”
One welterweight who won’t be on the card is Neil Sinclair. The Belfast puncher has suffered a recurrence of a niggling back injury that also caused him some problems last year and has been forced to withdraw from the Craigavon card.
Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan heads the undercard as he looks to stretch his unbeaten professional run to 14 straight fights
Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara is also in action along with unbeaten light welterweight Michael Kelly and popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart.
Tickets priced £30, £40 and £60 are available from:
Stephen Haughian 07595672699
Maurice Haughian 07733413516
Woodville Arms 02838324005
Ashburn Hotel 02838325711
John Breen 07802898054
Breens Gym (above Monico Bar, Belfast) 02890278708
Neil Sinclair 07707971854
Damian Taggart 07746527958
Michael Kelly 0877618356
Coley Traynor 07779594007
Best Rate Bureau 02830252595
Edwards Crushes Bloy To Win British, Commonwealth Belts
Chris Edwards set the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke, England ablaze with a torrid effort that reduced opponent Wayne Bloy to a shattered shell after three rounds of spirited combat to capture the vacant British and Commonwealth flyweight titles on Friday night on a Frank Maloney promotion.
The Stoke powerhouse was a two-fisted torrent of leather, battering the taller Bloy to both the head and body until there was simply no place for the big-hearted Grimsby boxer to hide. The 32 year old Edwards was a study in perpetual motion, sinking in hard shots to both the head and body as he propelled forward in a shockwave that unhinged his opponent.
Team Bloy kept their man in the corner rather than to face the increasingly one way traffic for the fourth frame, winning Edwards the 112 pound belts in what was a career best performance to date
Chief support saw an excellent scrap at light middle with Lincoln based banger Kevin Hammond dropping local lad Jimmy Doherty in the first session with a perfect left hook. Doherty beat the count and worked his way back into the fight by the middle of the bout, but Hammond's constant pressure, higher workrate and early knockdown produced a strong eight round points win, 78-74.
Flashy flyweight Ashley Sexton continued to impress as the Cheshunt prospect stopped opponent Fikret Remziev of Bulgaria in the second after winning every exchange with sparkling efficiency. The 21 year old phenom solidified his position as one of the top up and comers on the British scene.
English lightweight champion Scott Lawton of Stoke kept busy with a six round points win over Londoner Johnny Greaves in a non-title bout at light welter. Lawton was accurate both upstairs and down but wasn't able to put away the durable southpaw, who used his experience to keep out of trouble in a contest that was scored 60-54.
In one of the most action-packed contests of the evening, local welterweight Scott Miller overcame stiff opposition from Manchester based Pole Tomasz Mazurkiewicz thru sheer effort, grinding out a six round points verdict, 59-54.
Promising heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo continued to shine as the gigantic East End slugger chinned opponent Mihai Iftode, stopping the Romanian import in the second round behind an impressive barrage of artillery.
Bantamweight prospect Paul Edwards showed flashes of brilliance while decisioning Slovakian super bantam southpaw Elemir Rafael in a four rounder, 40-36.
Heavyweight Alex Ibbs of Stoke pounded out a four round unanimous win, 40-36, against Steve Bodger of Blackburn.
Newcastle cruiserweight Jon-Lewis Dickinson defeated Doncaster man John Anthony 40-36 after four frames in a competitive scrap.
Featherweight prospect Samir Mouneimne of Hull was held to a draw in his professional debut by Walsall veteran Steve Gethin over four contentious rounds.
Sky Sports televised the action live.
All photos ©Jane Warburton/MMG and are free for use only with credit given to same.
