By Elliot Foster
Sam Maxwell made a blistering start to his professional career.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, who narrowly missed out on a spot at the Rio Olympics, was in against Ibrar Riyaz at Greenbank Sports Academy, as part of MGM Liverpool’s inaugural show.
Maxwell, 27, produced something of a punch-perfect display in front of a capacity crowd, having sold a fair few tickets, to get the first notch on the ladder in the paid code.
He was putting together clinical combinations, using scintillating hand speed, to bamboozle his veteran opponent, who looked dejected as he returned to his corner at the end of the second round.
The last half of the fight continued in the same vein, with ‘Mad Max’, or ‘Super Sam’, depending on your preference, in total control.
Maxwell continued to land various shots, with plenty of success, much to the disappointment of his counterpart, who was cut over the right eye.
Riyaz, 31, completed the survival mission, however, ensuring he wasn’t dispatched of early but referee Darren Sarginson saw the fight in favour of the new pro by an unequivocal margin of 40 points to 36.
In defeat, Riyaz slips to 4-108-4 (2 KOs).
