Hough gets nod in Walsall war by Jim Wright May 19th 2006

Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that Walsall town hall clock was up for grabs last night as PJ promotions put on a show full of thrills, spills and controversy that brightened up a damp, windy Thursday night. Top of the bill was homeboy Matty Hough who had a tough night's work keeping Sheffield's Dean Walker at bay. From the first bell Walker chased the Walsall man with his direct brawling style. Hough, who had made a flashy entrance to the ring accompanied by two scantily-clad young ladies, was soon brought back down to earth as Walker dictated a fast pace that Matty didn't look comfortable with. As the fight developed it became clear that Hough had the speed, firing off three punch combinations at an advancing Walker, but there wasn't enough power behind Matthew's flurries to deter a fired up Dean Walker who looked like a man who fancied the job. The Sheffield slugger had plenty of success with single shots that had the fight on a knife edge for the full six-two's. At the final bell referee John Keane raised Hough's hand in victory as a disappointed Walker turned his back in disbelief at the 59-56 verdict, a score line that many at ringside felt to be over generous to the hometown man. However, the fight was one of those that was really difficult to score as neither fighter totally dominated with each round being close. Hough keeps his unbeaten tag intact by moving to 5-0. There was no doubt about the winner of the Darren Gethin-Lance Hall fight as Gethin thrilled his supporters with a solid display that underlined what a fantastic year he is having. Defeating Jason Rushton back in March in Doncaster, then last week forcing a draw with hot prospect Danny Reynolds in Leeds, no-one would have begrudged an easy night for Darren. But yet again the Walsall warrior had to dig deep to see off the brave challenge of Birmingham's Lance Hall. From the opening bell the midlands pair went toe-to-toe as Gethin gained an upper hand through the sheer volume of leather he was throwing at his rival. Many times Gethin looked on the verge of stopping Hall but he just couldn't find the decisive blow to give his fans what they wanted. Towards the end of the six-rounder Gethin looked shattered but he had to call on all his reserves of energy to keep Hall at bay. The referee scored it 59-55 for Gethin, the same as my card and Darren can now take a well earned break to recharge his much depleted batteries. Debutant Rob Hunt made an emphatic start to life in the paid ranks by stopping Stoke's Ian Clyde after one minute and forty five seconds of the opening round. Hunt was awarded the fighter of the undercard for his endeavours which was well deserved. Hunt showed great composure and patience in the early exchanges. He delivered a cracking straight right that put Clyde on unsteady legs before following up with a text book left hook. The barrage that followed from the Staffordshire bulldog left referee John Keane no choice but to jump in and save the bewildered Clyde. Wild celebrations erupted as Hunt's massive following celebrated like their man had just won his first world title. I was impressed by Hunt because he showed in half a round many virtues that could take him along way in this game, definitely one to watch. Midland Area welterweight champion Stuart Elwell produced a workmanlike performance that resulted in a six round shutout over game but outclassed Leeds man Peter Dunn. Elwell looked in total control throughout as his dominance made this uncompetitive bout look more like a gym session than a paid fight. Stuart extends his record to 7-0. Fight of the night saw Blackburn's Malik Khan overcome local boy Wayne Downing in a cracking bout that was rightly well received by the Walsall town hall crowd. Khan started the faster making sure he was first to the punch as he pushed a surprised looking Downing onto the backfoot. Last time out Khan had suffered a heavy stoppage at the hands of Sheffield's Lee Edwards, yet I felt he gave a good account of himself that night, so it was no surprise to me to see him register his first victory. Although Downing had looked to turn the tide in the third and was almost on the verge of stopping Khan before the Blackburn man showed guts and determination to force the stoppage as Downing was left in no position to defend himself. I'd give the town hall clock to Khan, triumph over adversity built on courage, dedication and determination is what separates our sport from other lesser pursuits.

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