All the results from the MTK Ryan Walsh vs Lewis Paulin show
The ESPN+ cameras were on-hand to capture Ryan Walsh make a sixth successful defence of his Lonsdale belt on a a special night of action that saw ‘The Farmy Army’ salute their Norfolk hero, who secured a 12-round split decision win over previously-unbeaten Scottish visitor Lewis Paulin.
That title followed a narrow 10-round points win for Ohara Davies over former world champion Miguel Vazquez, while Daniel Egbunike earned a Southern Area super-lightweight title shot by overcoming Martin McDonagh amid a raucous atmosphere.
There were also wins for former world title challenger Anthony Yigit, Donovan Mortlock, Sam Gilley, Jack Ewbank and Bradley Haxell on the card.
Bout 1
Super-flyweight, 6 Rounds
Quaise KHADEMI vs. Yesnar TALAVERA
Johnny Eames' super-flyweight charge Quaise Khademi weighed in for the bout but his opponent came in too heavy so the fight was cancelled.
Bout 2
Welterweight, 4 Rounds
Jack EWBANK vs. Martin WILLIAMS
Ashford fighter Jack Ewbank, trained by Billy Rumbol, moved up to 3-0 with a shutout points win over Leicester's Martin Williams (2-15).
Ewbank said: “I really enjoyed that. I’m getting better and better and I felt comfortable and confident in there. I picked the shots without being at risk.”
Bout 3
Lightweight, 4 Rounds
Bradley HAXELL (9st 8lb 2oz) vs. Andy HARRIS (9st 8lb 8oz)
A routine 40-36 points win for Maidstone's 24-year-old 'Axeman' Bradley Haxell.
Haxell said: “It’s the first fight with my new team and I’m already improving so much. I’d like to thank my fans who were amazing as they always are.”
Bout 4
Welterweight, 6 Rounds
Sam GILLEY vs. Nathan HARDY
Walthamstow's Sam Gilley moved up to 6-0 with a tough 59-55 points verdict over Yorkshireman Nathan Hardy (9-26-4).
Gilley said: “He was tough and I didn’t box my best but I’ll learn from that. I possibly head-hunted a bit too much and I’m a lot better than that.”
Bout 5
Super-lightweight, 8 Rounds
Anthony YIGIT (10st 2lb 2oz) vs. Siar OZGUL (10st 2lb)
Turkish-born Hackney hitter Siar Ozgul (15-4) lost on points to the former world title challenger and ex-European champion Anthony Yigit (24-1-1) 75-78 on points.
Yigit said: “I love fighting in the UK. They don’t give a damn about who’s going up – they want to see a good fight. Even though I’m from Sweden, they gave me the same support so thank you for that!”
Ozgul said: “I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience. I did my best and it was a 50-50 fight for a lot of it. I want to fight on more of these kind of shows.”
Bout 6
Southern Area super-lightweight title eliminator, 10 Rounds
Danny EGBUNIKE (9st 13lb 6oz) vs. Martin McDONAGH (9st 12lb 6oz)
Londoner Danny Darko (5-0) prevailed over bitter rival Martin McDonagh 97-93 in a gritty grudge match.
Kent puncher McDonagh (5-1), trained by Billy Rumbol, had claimed that his amateur pedigree would be enough to see off the 29-year-old Londoner, but he was beaten in nearly every round instead. However, the rounds were all closely contested and each fighter gave a good account of themselves in a refreshing fight where both prospects put their perfect records on the line so early on in their respective careers.
Egbunike said:“I had to dig deep. I knew I’d won but he was much better than I thought he was. I could’ve boxed better.”
McDonagh: “I think everyone knows who I am now and I gave a good account of myself. Hopefully I did my coaches and everyone who knows me proud. I’ll be back.”
Bout 7
Super-lightweight, 10 Rounds
Ohara DAVIES (10st 1lb 13oz) vs. Miguel VAZQUEZ (10st 1lb 6oz)
Marmite character OD managed to get a big name listed on his resume by outpointing former IBF king Miguel Vazquez 97-94, although most spectators disagreed with the judges’ scoring of the fight, claiming it was a hometown decision, which the Mexican should have won.
Bout 8
British Featherweight Title, 12 Rounds
Ryan WALSH (9st) vs. Lewis PAULIN (8st 13lb 4oz)
The incredible Ryan Walsh made a sixth successful defence of his Lonsdake belt with a split decision win over Lewis Paulin with scores of 117-111; 115-114 and 113-115 against.
Walsh said: “Full respect to Lewis for taking the challenge. He stuck to a game plan and one of the judges thought it was good enough. My fans are the best. Wherever you go, they’re there. Tonight, they were all there. ‘The Farmy Army’, man!”
TV FLOAT
Middleweight, 4 Rounds
Donovan MORTLOCK vs. Duane GREEN
Mortlock said: “I’ll have to watch it back but I just put together what we’ve been working on. I have to thank my team.”
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