Kevin Anderson loses his belt in the Magnum by Tom Walker Nov 3rd 2007

Scottish Correspondent Tom Walker reviews Kevin Anderson's British title fight despite a lack of notes. Old age has its setbacks, and one of the dilemmas facing someone of a certain age is forgetfulness. So it proved to be with the passing of my 61st birthday last week. In my hurry to check out of the hotel this morning and scurry back to Aberdeenshire to submit a report to our faithful readers, I found to my horror on my return home, that I'd left my folder and reports on last nights bouts in the hotel room. In penance, I offer a summary of the action, which most will have seen on “Friday Fight Night” in any event. Kevin Anderson somewhat mysteriously left his plan of attack and retention of the Lonsdale Belt outright, in the dressing room as he clearly lost his title fight against Kevin McIntyre of Paisley at Irvine's Magnum Centre with a unanimous points decision on all three judges' cards. I fancy the two standing counts in the opening rounds had him chasing McIntyre from then on. However, McIntyre boxed well and didn't allow Anderson to dictate proceedings at any time in the bout. Anderson looked jaded throughout and a shadow of the boxer we know him to be. That said, take nothing away from McIntyre, he fought the fight of his career to date, and was so comfortable in the end that even the die hard Fifers who'd made their way through to Ayrshire from the Kingdom accepted that their man had been well beaten. Was he (Anderson) struggling with the weight? He made it with a wee bit to spare at the weigh in on the Thursday, but perhaps had tried to put too much back on in the interim. Certainly he looked heavier and almost cumbersome than McIntyre, when they squared up at the start of the bout, but appearances can be deceptive! Did he underestimate his opponent? Possibly! Will he continue with the idea of relocation to Manchester? If he hasn't spent enough time with Bob Shannon for this fight then he has to ask himself some searching questions about his preparation. I hope he has a rematch clause in his contract! He surely would not be so out of sorts next time round. The undercard was cut by one bout to end up with a total of five fights. David Barnes won on points against Arek Malek of Poland. Barnes was a rising star a couple of years ago and could still make a decent living from the sport as he's obviously got ability. That ability was only shown in flashes last night as he sought to resurrect himself. Malek was a durable opponent who stuck to the task even when being subjected to some of Barnes best moves. It has to be said though, that Malek was showing signs of wear and tear by the end of the bout. Barnes can still “cut the mustard” and it will be interesting to see how far he wants to go this time round. Paul Appleby stopped Ben Odamattey in round six, when in a “No Mas!” fashion a la Roberto Duran, the tough little Ghanaian decided he'd had enough from the South Queensferry boxer. Appleby was totally in command during this fight while it lasted, and he peppered Odamattey with his full repertoire of shots (and he has plenty in that locker). The youngster is oblivious to reputations, which is no bad thing in the ring; to the extent that his self-belief is such that it may well take him to the top of his profession. The enforced lay-off which Odamattey now faces with attendant loss of potential earnings is testimony to the victory by Appleby. Ryan Brawley won on points against George Watson of Newcastle in an absorbing clash. Watson wasn't in the least intimidated by the atmosphere created by Irvine boxer Brawley's legion of vocal fans, nor by the slick moving southpaw he was facing and gave a good account in this his third professional bout. The clash of styles made for a more workmanlike bout than one which stylist boxing could have made. Nonetheless, it was value for money. Billy Smith won on points against local boxer George McIlroy. McIlroy's brother Jamie should also have featured on the bill, however, in the end there was George as the sole representative of the “Fighting McIlroys”. Lack of bouts appeared to have dented the confidence of George, whereas Billy Smith has had 18 in the time that George has had a solitary outing during the last 12 months. This showed in no uncertain terms as Smith won every round for me, with a possible share of the opener to McIlroy for having started brightly enough before going into his shell for the remainder. Ricky Owen won with a KO in round two against Richard Deacon of Crawley. This bout was never going to see the final bell, as it can best be described as a “right tear up” which was presaged by the “Evil eye” from Deacon at the referee's instructions. The first round had Kenny Pringle calling more time outs than a Longbridge shop steward in the bad old days of British Leyland. Deacon began the second as though he wanted to continue a war, despite his face being a mask of blood. Ally that to his dyed hair and the lurid red shorts and I was beginning to think I'd got a blood clot in my eyes. Owen though wasn't to be denied in his unbeaten run of seven with three early as he caught Deacon with a right counter which sparked the Crawley boxer in the second round. It was a pity that there were so few around to see this little Krakatoa, most having left after the main bout and even the cameras turned off. Not for the purist this type of bout, but all action from start to finish even if some of the action was not strictly in accordance with the rule book.

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