Liam Walsh comes back with a bang
Former world title challenger Liam Walsh ( 22-1, 15 KOs) announced his long-awaited return in style as he blew Nicaraguan visitor Reynaldo Cajina (14-61-5, 10KOs) away in three rounds on a fantastic #MTKFightNight in Brentwood.
The Norwich fighter promised his fans a dominant display to remind them all just what he's capable of and he certainly delivered on that statement.
On a busy bill, local Essex hero Danny Dignum was too classy for former world title challenger Rafal Jackiewicz; outboxing the Pole on the way to a decision win having climbed off the canvas early.
Shaquille Day also caught the eye on the undercard with by halting Jonathan Valero early while there were also victories for Serginio Kanters, Liam Conroy, Harlem Eubank, Jamie Whelan, Alex Bellingham and more.
RESULTS
LIAM WALSH bt Reynaldo Cajina KO3
Walsh: “It’s great to be back. I’ve been sparring for the last two years. It’s not the same but I’ve been sparring.
“The one thing I did was tense up too much. He came to stink the gaff out and my fans were going crazy because they wanted to see some action so I was getting over-eager and wanting to swing. That was my biggest fault.”
DANNY DIGNUM bt Rafal Jackiewicz PTS8
Dignum: “He was very tough and I learned a lot in there. That victory will get me up the rankings and it’s got to be 10-rounders and title fights soon.
“I trust MTK Global completely – they’re doing a great job with me. I always stay focused in the ring because I can hear my coach Kevin Lilley telling me to stick to me boxing.”
SERGINIO KANTERS bt Tomas Bezvoda PTS6
Kanters: “I boxed much better tonight. I was cautious because we have big plans and I don’t want to slip up on guys like him. I got caught rushing in a couple of times so I went back to boxing.
“Next time you’ll see me box even better and win even more beautifully for the crowd as a boxer rather than a brawler.”
SHAQUILLE DAY bt Jonathan Valero TKO3
Day: “I feel like I’m ready for anyone in the top 10. There are a few I wouldn’t fight because they’re my mates but it’s my time now.
“I’m going to get bigger and better each time. It’s all about the process and aiming to fight on ESPN+ is a big step in my career. It’s a big step in anyone’s career.”
HARLEM EUBANK bt Eligio Palacios PTS6
Eubank: “I really enjoyed it there. It was my first fight of 2019 and I’m always up for a challenge. He challenged me to show the things we’ve been working on in the gym.
“I always love getting in there and testing out everything I’ve learned in a realistic environment – expressing the artform while under pressure.”
JAY WHELAN bt Jose Aguilar PTS4
Whelan: “A lot of people want the classic stoppage win on debut but I wasn’t going looking for that. If it came, it came but he’s been in with some really big names. I enjoyed it.
“Unless you’re a journeyman, you shouldn’t be in this game if you’re not aiming for the top. I’m aiming at the top. Let’s go. Let’s go with the flow.”
LIAM CONROY bt Elvis Dube TKO2
Conroy: “I’ve only boxed a few rounds in the last 16 months and I never really made a dent in Joshua Buatsi so it’s good to know I can still make a dent in someone even if it’s not Buatsi!
“This was good for me. That shot is one of my favourites and I thought I’d put some body work in as he was quite tight upstairs and quite short. I’m happy.”
ALEX BELLINGHAM bt Sergio Gugliotta PTS4
Bellingham: “That wasn’t me in there. Everyone who knows me knows I can box a lot better than that but if I can still win off a bad performance, it can’t be all that bad.
“Support has always been good for me. I’ve always had great support and all I can do is keep thanking people for coming down and spending their hard-earned money. Thank you.”
Undercard
Sam Gilley bt Fernando Valencia TKO2
Louis Isaacs bt Naheem Choudury PTS4
Lewis Smith bt Ivan Godor PTS4
Lenny Fuller bt Geiboord Omier PTS6
Full report: http://britishboxingnews.co.uk/blogs/lenny-fuller-makes-it-six-in-six
#MTKFightNight heads for Belfast next weekend, when former unified world champion Ryan Burnett fights for the WBC International crown on a card that also includes Marco McCullough vs. Declan Geraghty for the IBF European super-featherweight belt – live on ESPN+ and iFL TV.