Reporting ringside at the Ice Arena, Hull.
In a night that contained many “trade” fights – it proved to be a dramatic and entertaining night at the Ice Arena.
Shayne Singleton v Sam Eggington
Sam “The Savage” Eggington produced a stunning performance on Saturday evening – by stopping the previously undefeated Shayne Singleton. After the impressive victory over Denton Vassell, The Savage continued his rapid rise.
21 yr old Eggington carries serious power in his both hands and he won’t have many domestic Welterweight’s queuing up to face him after this performance. Peter Sims told me some time ago that The Savage was one to watch and is a real puncher – Peter always has an eye for talent – as does Chairman of Matchroom Barry Hearn who has made no secret that Eggington is a personal favourite of his.
25 yr old Singleton was floored in the 2nd by a left-hand – as he tried to stand and trade with the powerful Stourbridge native.
I did expect Singleton to try to box more after that, but he continued to stand and exchange with Eggington – which was proving to be a naive tactic.
Two brutal knock-downs ensued in the 5th and it was suffice for the referee to wave the contest off – and not a moment too soon.
Egginton captured the WBC International Silver title and can look forward to a first defence in his home city of Birmingham in May.
Rocky Fielding v Oleg Fedotovs
Rocky Fielding capped his comeback fight after injury with a points decision over Latvian journeyman Fedotovs.
The 27 yr old looked jaded and very rusty after a 9 month lay-off due to a hand injury – on the evidence of this performance he needs a few more outings before a sterner test is made.
Fielding is mandatory challenger for the British title currently held by Paul Smith Jr – who was working as a pundit for Sky on Saturday. I feel that Fielding is a level below Smith Jr and I don’t see much merit in that fight for the champion.
Smith Jr after two world title defeats to Arthur Abraham has shown that he is competing above domestic level – thus making the chance of facing fellow Liverpudlian Fielding slim. I can see Smith Jr vacating and allowing younger brother Callum to face Rocky – as he will be confident the Lonsdale belt remains in the family.
Fielding like Callum Smith is well ranked with other governing bodies and it’s a fight many would like to see in the coming months.
Luke Campbell v Levis Morales
Cool Hand stopped Nicaraguan Morales inside 3 rounds of his 8 round contest – his first fight since his sizzling performance over Daniel Brizuela in October.
I rate Campbell massively, he boxed beautifully and didn’t waste a shot. The sheer accuracy and compose he displays – even against much lesser opposition strengthens the general consensus that he can swim with the domestic big boys.
Ability-wise I believe Campbell is the 2nd best in the UK – with Kevin Mitchell currently the Dean of the British Lightweight scene. Mitchell with a career-best performance in January, notably put Daniel Estrada’s title chances in to liquidation.
One final hurdle awaits Cool Hand and post-fight promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed he aims to have him out again on 25th April at the O2 – against a Gary Sykes/Martin Gethin level opponent.
The winner of Tommy Coyle v Luke Campbell will be thrust in to title eliminators later this year – so much more than being Hull’s “top dog” is at stake.
Tommy Coyle v Martin Gethin
He doesn’t like to make it easy for himself does he?
Boom Boom Coyle and his corner must have feared the worst when he was flattened in the 2nd – by a carbon-copy left thrown by Derry Mathews – with Coyle somehow getting back to his feet.
Once up, he looked like a rabbit stuck at a headlights as he was bobbing on his feet and clearly dazed but he boxed on. The Quiet Man Gethin sensed he could upset the apple-cart and proceeded to rock the 25yr old with further shots. Coyle’s trainer Jamie Moore had the towel in his hand and was ready to throw it – only to be restrained by corner-man Nigel Travis.
Coyle cleared his head and began to box using much more lateral movement. I gave him the 3rd and 4th rounds without a moment’s hesitation.
At the end of the 4th, Gethin’s corner beckoned the referee over to advise he had perforated his eardrum and the 31yr old could no longer continue. I felt this was a shame as the fight had all the makings of a good scrap – which Coyle had gained momentum on and would have emerged victorious.
“Sorry it was a short night but let’s all look forward to the summer showdown with Luke Campbell,” he told Sky Sports.
“I love fighting. I love getting in this ring. I’d have loved going 12 rounds tonight – or more. I can look forward to Luke Campbell though. I think I am going to knock him out. He’s my mate and I will be after.”
Hull has it’s summer showdown between both men and it’s one that will split the city right down the middle.
Coyle has earnt an overdue rest as he won’t box again before he faces Campbell.
Bradley Saunders and Gamal Yafai were victorious with 2 respective stoppage victories. Erick Ochieng who I had beating Tom Knight by 2 rounds – frustratingly for him was scored a draw.
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