Flu Fails to KO Black Country Boxing Night by Dan McGovern Apr 17th 2004

Dave Bradley's flu affected show last night saw the bill robbed of the main event, set to feature local ticket seller Peter Jackson, as well as the chief support contest, when Young Muttley came down with the same virus. The Black Country fans were none the less served up five entertaining bouts, which continued the value for money ethos of recent shows. Danny Norton of Stourbridge 4-1 (1 KO) won the show opener, in a contest largely devoid of highlights against Birmingham survivor William Webster. It amounted to little more then a public spar seeing Norton winning each round without leaving second gear. Webster, a seasoned journeyman, was more then content to skirt the ring's edge and last the course. As a late replacement for Simeon Cover of Worksop, Webster performed adequately if, unfortunately, without demonstrating much ambition. Pro debutant Gary Coombes (9st 13lbs) and Yeovil's Justin Hicks served up the fight of the night in the light-welterweight six twos. Coombes attacked in straight lines and without sufficient head movement early on, resulting in Hicks' jabs and right hands snapping his head back in the opening stanza. By the second Coombes was struggling slightly and being caught far too often. Hicks (10st 2lbs), cornered by Chris Sanigar and resplendent in the Bristol Boy's traditional purple shorts, was boxing well and timing his counters of the often rushing Coombes. In the third, Coombes began to slip the West Countryman's jab and place counter straight rights and hooks to the body to get a foot hold in the fight. The last three rounds were fought in centre ring with both men landing and taking good shots, The pace was frenetic at times as Coombes' combinations began to take effect. He rallied well over the second half, showing fitness and good technique. Lusty shouts of approval from the gallery reflected Coombes' improved boxing and despite of a high work rate from both combatants, the quality exchanges were maintained until the final bell. Spoils were shared with a 57pts a piece draw, and a rematch would be eagerly anticipated. The third fight of the night saw Dudley's own Darren McDermott (11st 10lbs) boxed well on both the outside and inside in his 40-36 pts decision over South Wales' willing Mark Phillips (12st 1lb). The score line did not reflect Phillips' contribution, which, although often untidy, nonetheless made for a decent spectacle. McDermott's long jab, use of angles and willingness to mix it up gave indications of his ability and long term potential. Darren has rebounded well from wrist problems that have affected his fledgling career and he can certainly look towards domestic honours as an attainable career goal. Paul Thomas refereed this fast-paced four rounder. ‘Brummie Bulldog' Terry Adams lived up to his nickname in the penultimate bout, as he tore into visitor Geraint Harvey with heavy shots from both hands. Adams' recent debut, at the same venue, resulted in a spectacular one-punch knockout and he was clearly intent on repeating the trick tonight. Harvey (10st 10lbs) was competitive throughout and caught the marauding Adams (10st 7lbs) on several occasions with a mixture of jabs and hooks. None of these could dissuade a focused Adams, who loaded up and neglected his jab and body work early on, as he looked for that jackpot shot. Adams' punches were loaded with ‘bad intentions' and his solid black trunks were reminiscent of Tyson's no-nonsense approach to ring attire, although he surely has a long way to go before he can replicate the Brownsville's residents in ring achievements. Harvey felt the weight of Adams' punch by the second and looked to sit back and counter the Midlander's rushing attacks. This plan was executed with some success but Harvey was sufficiently subdued by Adams' aggressive approach to lose out on points, by a 59pts to 57pts margin. The main event saw West Brom's talented Dean Hickman face the fast punching enigma, Tony Montana. As a warm up to a proposed Masters title shot for Hickman, this bout will have done little other then give him a few rounds workout. There are very few people in boxing who utilise the same over energetic, jack in a box style of Montana. He is blindingly fast and moves with great fluency, however, he seems to lack a conventional defence and boxes exclusively on the back foot, attempting lightening quick counters with his chin high in the air. This, for most, would be a recipe for disaster, but Montana somehow made it work, infuriating both his opponent and crowd along the way with his showboating antics. Hickman maintained his composure for the most part, except for a spell in the fifth where he waded in with crude swings, only to find himself in a heap on the floor, when Montana darted swiftly away from his rushing attack. Hickman could match Montana for speed and when he worked to the body found the majority of his success but could not fail to be affected by Montana's mocking and bemusing ring persona. Hickman, 8-0-1 (3), showed glimpses of the talent, which has earned him the Masters title shot, but Montana never allowed him to gain complete control of the contest and I am sure that it is a bout Hickman is pleased to have behind him. The local man ran out a clear winner 59 to 56.

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