Matty Askin defeats Stephen Simmons in second-round to retain British cruiserweight belt
Blackpool's Matty Askin (23-3-1 15KO’s) ruined Stephen Simmons' (18-3 8KO’s) bid to become the first Scot to hold the British cruiserweight title last night at London’s York Hall as the 33-year-old Edinburgh fighter was knocked out in round-two by the defending champion.
It means Askin, Barnsley-born but Blackpool-based, has now won his last five fights, taking his record to 23 wins, three defeats and one draw.
Simmons started well in the opening round and took the fight to "The Assassin", however, the Scot's head was continuously rocked back by powerful uppercuts from the sharp British titlist and eventually found himself felled by a devestating left-hand to the solar plexus in the second segment, sending him crashing to the canvas.
Writhing around, Simmons failed to beat the count, the fight stopped at 1:52 in the second round, leaving the challenger beating the canvas in frustration at having been halted in such a manner.
It was Askin’s first defence of the Lonsdale Belt that he won against Craig Kennedy in May of last year. Coming into the fight, Askin had ruined his previous three opponents’ unbeaten records – Craig Kennedy (16-0); Tommy McCarthy (9-0); Simon Barclay (8-0).
The 29-year-old made a bold statement in his 10th title fight and will be looking to progress to world titles next.
Britain's first female Muslim world Muay Thai champion Ruqsana Begum (0-0-1) made her professional boxing debut on the undercard but was held to a draw by brave Bulgarian Ivanka Ivanova (1-3).
There were wins for home fighters Darrel Church (6-2-1); Daniel Mendes (6-1); Mark Little (7-0); Adi Burden (6-0); Youssef Khoumari (4-0); Ricky Heavens (5-0-1); Linus Udofia (8-0); Joe Joyce (3-0); and Wadi Camacho (20-7) as he retained his Southern Area cruiserweight title with a ninth-round knockout over challenger Danny Couzens (10-11-2).
Follow “The Assassin” on Twitter @mattyaskin
Matty would like to thank his sponsors: Caecillian Ltd, Anykitchenltd.co.uk, Ma Kellys Blackpool, The Gentleman’s Lounge Blackpool, Stephen Pye Tree Services, CRIBB and Hattonboxing.co.uk
HÖRFA are proud sponsors of British Boxing News