No Gethin, but still a great show

By Peter Wells: It was meant to be all about local fighter Martin Gethin last night (Friday 21 September), but after his sponsors pulled out on Tuesday, Frank Warren came in to save the fight. Unfortunately for all his fans coming down to see Gethin bid for the IBF International Lightweight title, Warren took the fight to London on the same night, to leave the fans without the main event they had waited for.

Thankfully it wasn’t all doom and gloom, Martin Gethin went on to win the title by stoppage in the 11^th round, and the 5 fights that took place at Walsall Town Hall gave the fans plenty to be excited about. Apart from an unfortunate injury and a slightly early stoppage, fans were given a great night of boxing and an interesting look at the future stars of Midlands boxing.

A first live fight experience is always great, and I was treated to a fine first fight when Dean Anderson and Harvey Hemsley kicked it all off in sublime fashion. Dudley’s Dean Anderson was the home favourite and with is Floyd Mayweather like body looked to have the more sting in his punches. Harvey kept coming, firing away to try and unsettle ‘Deano’ (4-1-1) going into the fight. Anderson’s quick and powerful one-twos came at the end of every exchange before the gutsy Harvey went back to work, focusing a lot of his punches to the body. Anderson showed his mettle in the ring, fighting fire with fire for four tough rounds. Anderson’s guard remained high throughout the contest to stop any of Harvey’s hard shots to the head causing any real damage. It was a hard fight to score but despite Harvey’s best efforts the harder and more accurate punches came from Dean Anderson, who was rightly given the decision by a score of 39-37, I had it 40-37 to Anderson. Harvey Hemsley drops to 0-2, but with more displays like that he won’t be waiting long for his first victory.

Next into the ring was Stafford born Grant Cunningham against his toughest opponent yet in Jamie Roness. The two Super Middleweights fought at much slower pace, but it was still a very intriguing contest. Cunningham seemed to do enough work to earn the first. Sadly the fight ended as Roness had picked up an injury to his shoulder forcing him to retire, giving Cunningham his 5^th win against no defeats. A very disappointed Jamie Roness drops to 5-4-1.

It was then up to Kyle Spencer to lift the crowd again, in his 3^rd fight against debutant Matt Vaughan. The tall Light Middleweight had a huge backing from the crowd, as a large group of supporters stood throughout the fight. Spencer had his opponent in trouble on many occasions throughout the fight, bringing cheers every time he sent Vaughan to the ropes. Vaughan to his credit fought hard, but could never really compete with the power that Spencer had from long range. Spencer seemed desperate for his first stoppage defeat, but never once lost focus, not allowing Vaughan a chance to land any solid shots. Still despite Spencer’s domination it was as entertaining as a one-sided fight can be. Spencer was given every round 40-36 and moves to 3-0, while Vaughan can feel pleased with his first performance.

In the final 4 rounder of the night, unbeaten Adam Corbett took on tough journeyman Jody Meikel. Corbett also had a very vocal support who cheered their man whenever he threw a punch back at his smaller opponent. Corbett was boxing well in the first, until a very wild swing of the right glove from Meikel had the West Bromwich man on wobbly legs. Meikel followed up with more thunderous shots but Corbett had his guard up well before recovering to end the round well. Still it was a big round for the underdog who took that confidence into the second. Corbett though hadn’t learned his lesson as once again he left his chin defenceless, once again paying with a big overhand right, two more big punches and the referee jumped in to a chorus of “boos”. The fight was indeed stopped slightly early but Meikel was looking sharp and it was already turning into a hard task for Corbett to win the fight. Meikel won only his 4^th fight, moving to 4-25 while a deflated Corbett dropped to 3-1.

Last up was a 6 rounder between Steve Pearce and Billy Smith. Pearce’s fans were by far the loudest, singing songs all through the contest. Pearce didn’t let them down fighting well on the front foot, sending his man to the ropes on several occasions every round. Smith a veteran of 137 fights knew all the tricks in the book, and used all the dirty tactics he could get away with on the inside. Pearce though never looked rattled touching his opponents glove every time the referee gave them a telling off. In the 5^th things started to look worrying as a punch from Smith was blocked by Pearce with his left glove, which left him grimacing and went on the back foot. Pearce couldn’t disguise his pain, switching to southpaw, but looking extremely awkward doing so. Pearce may have lost the 5^th but managed to fight through the pain in the 6^th and final round. Pearce was given the verdict by a score of 60-56, while I had it 59-55 to Pearce. Billy Smith drops to 13-122-2, while Pearce moves to 5-0.

It was indeed a grand night of boxing for Walsall, a great night’s entertainment before the news that Walsall’s very own Martin Gethin had won the IBF International title. Hopefully it won’t be too long until Walsall Town Hall hosts its next boxing event.

Ward-Dawson: Andre Ward cements his place as a modern great



Talent: Ward floors Dawson three times on route to a stoppage win

By Peter Wells: Maybe it's about time we stopped the Mayweather, Pacquiao, who's the best in the world argument. Andre Ward may just have trumped them both with another completely dominate display. Ward has already cleared out the Super Middleweight division, and Chad Dawson the best Light Heavyweight in the world, and a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter himself didn't even come close to ending Ward's unbeaten run that's stretches back to when he was 12. When you look at Mayweather's and Manny's fights the last few years, they haven't won each fight as clearly as Ward has. Andre has fought the best in his division and the best fighter in the division above, Mayweather and Pacquiao haven't fought one another meaning they haven't fought the best in their division.




Enough of that, this isn't an article to argue who is the best in the world. Last night was Ward's night as he was simply awesome in dominating the ultra talented WBC Light Heavyweight champion. In the build up many worried if Dawson could make the weight well, but looked good at the weigh in and weighed almost 10lbs heavier than Ward on fight night. Dawson enjoys fighting at his own pace, using his jab to control rounds. 'S.O.G' took away Dawson's jab from the very start and after a slow first upped the pace to suit himself.



Ward's footwork is something to admire. Any youngster starting boxing should definitely watch the way Ward uses his feet to set himself up to land shots and avoid shots coming back. Ward is also a great thinker and may well have won this fight using his brain, seeing shots that others wouldn't notice if they stood their for 5 minutes let alone in a split second.



Respect: Dawson and Ward share kind words after the fight

The third round was the key round in the fight. Andre Ward and trainer Virgil Hunter clearly knew the short left hook was a key punch and after slipping a long right from Dawson Ward clipped Chad's chin with a precise left hook. Dawson hit the canvas but seemed to quickly regain his legs. The 4th was almost identical, Dawson throwing a wide right hook and Ward stepped in, using his impressive footwork to land his short chopping left flooring 'Bad Chad' for a second time. Ward went for the kill like never before but couldn't quite find the right punch to bring an end to proceedings.


After that Ward dominated and Dawson had already lost all confidence in the fight. Ward fought exceptionally both on the outside and the inside, landing uppercuts whenever the two clinched, not allowing Dawson a moments rest. Andre continued to box brilliantly before a quick combination had Dawson on wobbly legs before another left hook put the Light Heavyweight king down. Dawson rose again but sensibly told referee Steve Smoger to stop the fight.



Both fighters acted like gentlemen after the fight. Andre gave Dawson a lot of credit, while Dawson offered no excuses for the defeat despite Larry Merchant's ridiculous attempt to get Chad to bite the bait.



Ward has proven he is in another league to those fighters areound him, and he may be waiting on fighters moving up to fight him from Middleweight unless he moves up himself to Light Heavy. Dawson can now move back to his natural weight class, where big fights with Tavoris Cloud and Jean Pascal await. There is no shame for Dawson losing to Ward, there never is when losing to someone as great as Andre Ward.

Matthysse-Olusegun: Brave Ajose stopped after 10 classic rounds

Brutal: Matthysse shows his power when pinning Ajose on the ropes

By Peter Wells: It was never going to be easy. The Nigerian born Londoner has been the WBC mandatory challenger for several years, and has been overlooked the whole time. Then as though giving him a compensation prize, they pit him against arguably the best 140lbs fighter for the WBC Interim belt. Last nights performance may just have answered why they have overlooked him. He fought toe-to-toe with the hard hitting Lucas Matthysse and gave as much as he took, just not with the same force.

With his clear talents aired like on Showtime as main event, other sanctioning bodies will be adding Ajose to their lists. As for Lucas Matthysse he will get his long awaited world title shot against the winner of Danny Garcia vs Erik Morales (Garcia).

It was a brutal performance from Matthysse after a slightly tentative first round. Olusegun seemed to take the 1st, putting together good combinations. Ajose kept firing quick eye catching combinations but Matthysse's dynamite fists were always in reach to change the course of each round by sending his unbeaten opponent to the ropes before rallying. Ajose was as tough as nails, going through several scary moments in the first half of the fight. Referee Russel Mora was close to stepping in on several occasions. Had it been any other fighter Mora may have stepped in, but knowing how long Ajose had waited for this opportunity, Mora gave him as much chance as possible. Ajose did dish out his own fair share of punishment, and after the fight Matthysse told Showtime analyst Jim Gray, "I felt his power tonight".

In the second half of the fight Ajose seemed to gain more confidence, and seemed to have won round 7, while round 8 could have gone either way. Matthysse stepped up the pressure again after that and seemed to tighten up his own defence. The 10th round ended like the majority of the other rounds, with a flurry of hard punches coming from Matthysse and finally two big right hands had Olusegun on the deck. Mora had no hesitation in stepping in.

Matthysse deserves huge credit and beat a very tough fighter who could still challenge for a world title. Olusegun though may have left the ring receiving the most credit. A fighter with a huge heart and one I can see the American boxing audience taking a huge liking to. The only sad thing was that he didn't get to hear the final bell, because after that performance, it was the least Ajose Olusegun deserved. 

Andre Ward-Chad Dawson: Boxing at its best

Top of the game: Ward and Dawson are two of the best boxers in the world

By Peter Wells: Here it is. A boxing purists dream is upon us as two of the best fighters pound-for-pound step into the ring together in a fight showcased as 'Made in America'. Andre Ward and Chad Dawson are two boxers who show the world the art that is boxing. They have spent their careers perfecting the art and used their boxing intellect to win them multiple world titles. They have many similarities in the way they box but also they have the same motivations. To provide for their families and to become the best that they can be.
 
Their respect for the sport itself can be seen by the opponents they have faced. Chad Dawson has won the WBC, IBF and IBO Light Heavyweight titles, suffering just one defeat. He has ducked no one taking on Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson twice and also the age defying Bernard Hopkins. Tomasz Adamek, who is now a challenger at Heavyweight, has also shared a ring with him losing a clear decision. Jean Pascal is the only man to beat Dawson. After a very slow display from Chad he was behind on the scorecards before the fight was stopped in the 11th due to a cut on Dawson caused by a clash of heads. Chad was starting to pile on the pressure but he did need a knockout to win the fight. After that first defeat, Dawson's circle got much smaller. All the so called 'friends' had left, which has only left Dawson with a better outlook on who are his real friends. Now moving down in weight Chad faces a different challenge, but one he's wanted.


Two time champ: Dawson beats Hopkins to take back his
WBC title

Andre Ward's rise through the pound-for-pound listings has been incredible. At just 20-0 and still learning Andre Ward took the chance to enter the Super Six tournament, to face off with the best fighters at 168lbs. Ward was straight into the deep end as he took on the favourite, Mikkel Kessler. 'Son of God' shocked the boxing world, dominating Kessler before the referee stopped the fight due to cuts. Allan Green never won a second of their fight before he beat the awkward Sakio Bika on points. In the semi's Arthur Abraham took a beating before the final last December against the sensational Carl Froch. In what was expected to be a close fight turned into a one sided fight as Ward dominating from start to finish putting on one of the great boxing displays. Andre's victory was further enhanced when Froch destroyed unbeaten IBF champion Lucian Bute in 5 rounds. 


Unstoppable: Ward dominates Froch in Super Six Final

The most refreshing part of this fight is just how easy it was to make. In a generation of boxing where fighters blatantly avoid fighting other top fighters, Chad Dawson and Andre Ward again showed their respect for the sport and its fans. Dawson called Ward out after his victory over Bernard Hopkins. Andre Ward had no hesitation in answering, 'yes'. Chad Dawson was also very willing to drop down from 175lbs to 168lbs and looked good at the weigh in yesterday.

It is indeed a very fascinating fight, one that could swing either way. Ward has slightly more to lose in his unbeaten record and titles, but there is no doubt he would reign as champion again. A defeat for Dawson wouldn't hurt him at all. He could move back up to Light Heavyweight where a rematch with Jean Pascal or a clash with IBF king Tavoris Cloud wait. 
 
I expect a close fight that will go back and forth, but Ward seems to be the slicker of the two and may just do enough work to convince the judges. The result may be hard to predict but what isn't is the fact that this will show boxing at its finest. 

Tony Bellew-Edison Miranda: London ready to be rocked

Big Hitters: Both Bellew and Miranda are knockout artists

By Peter Wells: Interest in boxing is once again hotting up, and with a cracking weekend of top class boxing ahead of us, British boxing is getting more than it's fair share of crackers. Ajose Olusegun takes on Lucas Matthysse on Sunday morning UK time, but a few hours before that Mersyside hero Tony Bellew takes centre stage in what promises to be a fantastic encounter.

Edison Miranda is his opponent in what could be the toughest fight of his career so far. Bellew's toughest fight to date happened last year when he was a huge underdog going into his grudge match against WBO Light Heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly. Tony surpassed all expectation, losing on a majority decision (I scored the fight even 114-114). Cleverly was able to continue his reign unbeaten, but it was Bellew that left the ring with the most credit.

Bellew returned to action in April, destroying Danny McIntosh in 5 rounds to show that he no longer belongs at that level.  Bellew a big Everton fan has gotten himself to this stage of his career the hard way. He had to go about seeking a world title his own way and even now as he looks for a second shot at a world title he is taking on as tough a gatekeeper as there is.

His opponent Edison Miranda has mixed with the best throughout his career, mostly at Middleweight and Super Middleweight. His best asset and one he will be bringing up with him is his ferocious knockout power. 30 of his 35 victims have failed to hear the final bell and Arthur Abraham came out worse in their 2006 clash as Edison broke the German's jaw. Miranda floored Allan Green twice on route to a unanimous decision win before losing by knockout to the equally heavy handed Kelly Pavlik. Abraham then knocked out Edison in 4 before being dominated by Andre Ward, although Ward has so far dominated everyone he's been in the ring with. A knockout defeat to Lucian Bute proved he no longer belonged with the elite but is still a stern test for any fighter on the cusp of a title. A latest defeat to Isaac Chilemba will give Bellow plenty of encouragement going into the fight.

Still this is a huge test for Bellew and one he will need to pass if he is to get another shot at a world title. Bellew has plenty of power himself and the Colombian can be taken out. I envision Bellew letting his opponent come forward and picking him off with sharp counters. Miranda will put Tony's chin to the test but I expect him to hold firm before stopping Miranda late. It could be a cracker, I mean it will be a cracker and one that is not to be missed.

Lucas Matthysse-Ajose Olusegun: WBC mandatory finally gets a chance

On the outside: Olusegen has been overlooked by the WBC for nearly a year

By Peter Wells: Ajose Olusegun unfortunatley went along the wrong path on route to a world title. Had he been ranked mandatory challenger by the WBA, IBF or WBO he may have had his shot at the main title by now. Instead the the laughable WBC have offered him nothing for nearly the past 12 months after defeating Ali Chebah in a WBC Light Welterweight title elimination. Now though he has been given a shot. But, if you were thinking he had a shot at the main WBC title, you are obviously wrong. Firstly he isn't Mexican, so the joke that is Jose Sulimain won't give him the shot he merits.

Firstly Danny Garcia was given a shot at the title held by Erik Morales. Morales is a legand coming out of retirement but was given the title for no other reason than because he was Mexican. Exactly the same as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at Middleweight, whom many would believe is promoted by the WBC president due to the amount of times he's protected from fighting mandatory challenger Sergio Martinez, who he finally squares off with next weekend. After Garcia beat Morales, Ajose should have been given the shot he had qualified for. Instead the WBC screwed him other again, giving Amir Khan a shot after his fight had just collapsed against Lamont Peterson. So surely now Olusegun should get his shot at Garcia's title. No! Erik Morales used his rematch clause to set the most pointless world title fight of the year.

Ajose instead had to settle for the WBC Interim title, and his opponent is in my eyes a much tougher opponent than WBC champion Danny Garcia would have been. Lucas Matthysse is a ferocious puncher who is unlucky to have two defeats on his record after losing controversially to both Zab Judah and Devon Alexander.



Dominant: Olusegun was in control against Ali Chebah

A win though for Ajose would be massive. Not only will he have beaten one of the best Light Welterweight's in the world, but after Randall Bailey's injury cancelled his main event fight with Devon Alexander, Olusegun vs Matthysse has been promoted to main event. So what a way to show the world how good you are, and to step out of the shadows into a very bright division.

Olusegun's opponents haven't been at the same level as Matthysse's but he has quality written all over him. He's eased past all his opponents and will hope his slick boxing and long arms will help him fend of the dangerous fists of Matthysse.

Matthysse has had problems at times, fighting opponents who fight on the outside. When Devon Alexander circulled the Argentinian while regularly flicking out his speedy jab he was causing the big puncher problems. Alexander though didn't seem to be able to hold of his opponent to stop him getting on the inside. Devon got the decision but was very fortunate to do so.

Olusegun will be hungry for this victory and will fight the fight of his life, but Lucas can close the ring down like few fighters can. I expect the fight to last the distance but Matthysse should get the nod in an entertaining fight.