Midnight mass for Church
Essex light-heavyweight prospect, ‘Dazzling’ Darrel Church (2-1-1), was forced to settle for a draw in his return to the ring against ‘Mad’ Mitch Mitchell (6-46-3) at the York Hall on April 16 on a Hellraiser Promotions event.
The 26-year-old from Tiptree was on the last fight of the evening, which followed the main event that saw Arthur Hermann crowned as the new Southern Area super-welterweight champion with a 97-96 points win over the heavily-favoured Asinia Byfield.
Church commented post-fight, “It’s not a loss, I know I waited a bit too long at times, but it’s been 10 months since my last fight.”
After weighing in at 4pm in the afternoon, Church was made to wait until close to midnight for his bout to take place – his first fight back since last June.
“I felt a bit shit before the fight,” admitted the 175-pounder. “I was just tired and mentally drained with all the waiting around all night.”
Church, managed by Carl Greaves and coached by Mark Massow, started the fight razor sharp but allowed Mitchell to come back midway through the opener.
More of a counter-puncher, the Essex man was quicker on the jab and crisp on the counter but wasn’t the busier man during the first three minutes, briefly taking a right hook flush to the face whilst the left hand was held low, which gave 28-year-old, known as ‘Mad Mitch’, a confidence boost to press forward.
In the second segment, Mitchell came out swinging, sensing he could snatch a rare win against the odds, but Church remained disciplined behind a tight defence.
‘Dazzling’ utilised his straight right a lot more in the second round – his best shot – and really came alive during the midway point after landing a good uppercut.
However, shortly afterwards, Church leans on the ropes for too long and takes a left hook to the face – Mitchell’s best punch of the fight.
The third round was the best for Church, landing several flush left hooks as Mitchell continued to push forward. Church also managed to land two identical successive overhand rights, just seconds apart.
In the final round, Church was always looking to counter Mitchell but waited too long and likely cost him in the end as referee Kieran McCann scored the bout a draw at 39-39.
Mitchell’s face showed signs of disbelief and offered an apologetic look to Church as they embraced.
Church optimistically looked ahead to is next outing, “Next fight will be in July back in Essex. I’m away for a few days in Portugal but then I’ll be straight back in the gym to prepare for the next one!”
Follow Darrel ‘The Baptist’ Church on Twitter @Darrel_Church89
Team Church would like to thank sponsors MB Surfacing and Tiptree Jam and Incredible Pixels and PR Manager Tim Rickson
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