TalkingBoxing Articles
Anderson comes of age; Docherty calm before the storm
FRI October 7, DAVE CRELLIN - As pleasing as Kevin Anderson’s Commonwealth welterweight title win on Friday were the words from his promoter Tommy Gilmour, acknowledging his charge is still very much a work in progress and will be managed accordingly. Anderson had been thrown in at the deep end against Joshua Okine, who had beaten the touted David Barnes for the title, but Anderson took the belt fairly although on a tight split decision.
Anderson roared out of the blocks in front of a home crowd straight from a day shift as Braveheart extras, and probably edged the first three before Okine’s durability saw the Scot slow down. The pattern of frenetic bursts of milling punctuating some handy boxing continued through the rest of the fight, neither fighter ever establishing a commanding lead, although Okine seemed to enter the home straight with the attitude of a man needing to claw back some rounds. Anderson, though, didn’t let him, and even managed to wobble the incredibly durable Ghanaian.
A tough, tough win for Anderson who showed real character throughout. Still only 15 bouts into a pro career (alongside an excellent history in the amateurs) and at 22 years of age, he can become a better boxer but he showed here to have the basic ability and the determination of a truly exciting prospect.
On the undercard Craig Docherty looked sluggish before an impressive stoppage of Ugandan John Mackay in the seventh of eight. Mackay was fast and busy, an impression increased by Docherty’s sloth. But as the bout moved on Docherty began to find rhythm and catch the London-based African. A pinpoint right cross did for Mackay, who was rescued by the referee whilst out on his feet.
Over in Wales Friday Scott Gammer looked handy in working his way past trial-horse Julius Francis. Francis, though, is now 40, without a win in 12 and weighed in at a fat 283 pounds.
The only card this coming weekend is a show for the faithful at the York Hall, with Gary Woolcombe more than likely to win the vacant British Masters light-middleweight title against seasoned tryer Delroy Mellis. Woolcombe has yet to lose – Mellis has 22 losses, twice as many bouts than in his ‘win’ column. But Mellis is capable and durable and Woolcombe is light-fisted, so a good opponent for a step up in distance for Woolcombe.
Another of the increasingly popular Sunday shows in Hammersmith sees Wayne Llewellyn, the big east London lad best known for losing in a round to Jameel McCline, face prospect Michael Steeds in a heavyweight clash.
Mark Hobson has withdrawn from his upcoming cruiserweight bout with David Haye, having contracted shingles. This bout seems cursed, but nonetheless remains one of the most appetising matches at a domestic level. No word yet on a replacement for Hobson.
The date of the hearing for the case Frank Warren is bringing against Ricky Hatton was put back from 3rd October to the 20th. This gives precious little time for Hatton to be focussed for the proposed 26th November bout with Carlos Maussa. Tickets for this bout went on sale this week.
Forum
