Two new Midlands Area champions were crowned at the Genting Arena in Birmingham tonight, as Marcus Ffrench and Ryan Fields won the lightweight and welterweight crowns respectively.
Ffrench isn’t known for his one punch, knockout power, but his opponent, and good friend, Michael Rooney will now almost certainly disagree with that statement, after he was robbed of his senses just 55 seconds into their scheduled 10 rounder.
It looked like it was going to be a cagey affair, until a big right hand put that notion to bed. Rooney did rise to his feet, but was unsteady and referee Kevin Parker wisely stopped the fight to hand Ffrench the title.
Ryan Fields put on an impressive performance, stopping Karl Wiggins in the fifth, ripping the title from the home fighter’s grasp. Fields nicked the first two rounds, before Wiggins stepped it up a gear and replied in the third.
But, Fields responded himself, dropping Wiggins with a right hand in the fourth and going in search of the stoppage win. He got it one round later, as Wiggins came out gun-shy in the fifth.
Fields pressed forward, countering Wiggins’ attempts and getting the better of him. Wiggins was in trouble and a left hand put him out of his misery to hand Fields his first professional title and biggest career victory to date.
Also on the undercard was Luke Keeler, the Dubliner, who won 60-55 over Adam Jones, who as ever gave as good as he’s got. Keeler will no doubt be hoping to secure a big fight next time out.
Also victorious over six rounds was Cello Renda, who was supposed to be in line for a much bigger fight on the card, but following his opponent’s withdrawal, he had to settle for a clash with Mike Byles, who he beat 60-54 in an entertaining scrap.
Jake Ball continues to impress up at light-heavyweight, dispatching the overmatched Norbert Szekeres after 1:40 of the second round. “The Blade” looks to be a real prospect and it won’t be long before the stabilisers are taken off.
Also recording an impressive stoppage was Jordan Cooke, who lived up to his nickname of “The Assassin”, by halting the usually durable Lee Connelly after 2:34 of the fourth. He’s another one to keep an eye out for.
Zach Parker remained undefeated, as he got the better of veteran Jamie Ambler after 2:38 of the second, whilst “Ruthless” Ryan Kelly bloodied and battered Lewis Van Poetsch, but had to settle for a points win, 40-36.
Finally, there was also a points win, 39-37, for Charlie Williams over Harvey Helmsley.
– Matthew Bevan / @MBevs68
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