Can Al Hamidi stop the Stoke surge? by Martin Dobbing May 17th 2008

When people think of the major cities of our beloved sport, names like Las Vegas, Mexico City and my own beloved home town of Manchester spring to mind. These places, for generations have either hosted our greatest fights, or given birth to our most revered pugilists. Areas such as Stoke and Chester have never really featured. The term 'boxing backwater' could have been invented for such places. But with the emergence of Impact Boxing, both cities are coming out of the shadows and spearheading and taking their place in the new order. Impact hold their next show tonight at the Kings Hall in Stoke and the bill includes a number of fighters, some established, some new, but all seeking to put their hometowns on the Boxing map. Topping the bill is Scott Lawton facing off against a man who has terrorised a couple of prospects in the last few weeks, the Syrian fighting out of Dewsbury, Youssef Al-Hamidi. A man who is no respecter of reputation and a man who always comes to win. Lawton, who along with Chris Edwards has spearheaded Stoke's emergence as a major boxing city is vastly experienced. Though lacking real knockout power Lawton is renowned for being gritty and has underrated skills. An eighth round knockout of Stefy Bull, in which he won the vacant English belt, saw him earn a crack at Jon Thaxton's British title. After an intriguing battle in which Lawton severely troubled the classy champion, Scott was caught and the fight stopped. Despite ultimate defeat Lawtons reputation grew immeasurably and the performance was enough to see him earn a shot at Amir Khan's Commonwealth title. Sadly Lawton was outclassed form the offset by the quicksilver champ and was stopped in four brutal rounds. Two low key comeback win leave a very large question mark over the Stoke man, what really has he got left? The man in the opposite corner is no respecter of reputations. To go even further Hamidi is beginning to be the curse of the young prospect. And on Saturday night many believe another house fighter could bite the dust. Just last month Yousef Al Hamidi was brought in to test the unbeaten, touted future star Anthony Crolla. The young man was arguably the next big Sports Network star. Hamidi proceeded to beat Crolla to a pulp, smashing the unbeaten record and seriously damaging, certainly in the short term, the Manchester lad's reputation. A month later Hamidi got a call at lunchtime to inform him that he was to fight John Murray, a man once voted ‘Young boxer of the year'. Hamidi once again started fast, cutting the taller fighter and landing flush with numerous rights and lefts. Though Murray managed to squeak out a victory (some even going as far to say as an undeserved victory) his reputation is at an all time low. This is what faces Lawton, this man, especially at Scott's advanced age could ruin his dream of ever fighting for the British title again. So how will it pan out? One suspects that given the fight is over six rounds Lawton will need to strat fast. He will need to keep the shorter Hamidi away with long slashing shots and then tie him up when he gets close. He cannot afford to let Hamidi work. The man's work rate is phenomenal and will surely seek to hustle out the favourite. Hamidi must get in close and be able to throw those clusters of shots that saw to Crolla and nearly finished Murray. Thought it is clichéd, Hamidi is far better than his W4 L9 D1 record would suggest. He has fought many a battle and been at the wrong end of a questionable verdict. One suspects that Lawton's greater experience and home field advantage will see him prevail but don't be surprised to see Hamidi end the top flight career of the Stoke man. Impact's Sister stable is also heavily represented in this intriguing show. Heading the Chester contingent in place of Kevin Buckley who is laid up with and arm injury is Chris Goodwin. After losing his debut Goodwin has gone on to win his next Four Fights and earn rave reviews for his stylish performances. Tomorrow night he faces ex Amir Khan victim Baz Carey, a man who is renowned for giving prospects a great learning experience. This fight should be such an occasion for the Chester and looks set to go the distance with Goodwin winning a decisive points decision on his journey to the top. Chester boys Paul Economides, Omar Gumati also appear on the show, whilst Stoke is represented by Jimmy Doherty, Scott Miller and Danny Johnston, all hoping to add another win and improve their reputation even further. Stoke and Chester could truly be on the cusp of something very special indeed.

Go back Comment on this article | Send to a friend | Print

Please login before posting comments.

There are no comments. Click here to be the first who comment on this article.