At the Bolton Whites Hotel, Bolton, Lancashire, UK, MTK Global – Lee Eaton in association with Top Rank on Friday over ESPN+ in the Main Event EBU European Bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi was stopped in the first by Lee “Lightning” McGregor after 3 knockdowns.
In the Main Event Karim Guerfi, 29-5 (9), #117 1/4, of Manosque, Alpes-de-Haute, Provence, France, was stopped by Lee “Lightning” McGregor, 10-0 (8), #118, of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, at 2:43 of the first round of a scheduled 12 rounds, for EBU European Bantamweight title
In the first round after one minute a left from McGregor to the body and down went Guerfi for an 8 count. A minute later another body shot from McGregor dropped Guerfi for an 8 count. Within seconds McGregor went right after Guerfi dropping him with a left hook on the chin for a third knockdown forcing referee John Latham to wave it off.
Lightweight southpaw Maxi “Maximus” Hughes, 23-2-5 (5), #134, of Rossington, Yorkshire, UK, stopped Paul “Hylo” Hyland, Jnr., 20-3 (7), #134 1/2, of Belfast, No. Ireland, UK, at 1:20 of the eighth round for vacant British title, in a scheduled 12 rounds.
In the third round referee Mark Lyson missed a clash of heads. In the fourth both landed numerous body shots with Hughes getting the best of it. In the fifth round Hughes landed a left low blow giving Hyland several minutes to rest. In the sixth round Hughes put Hyland through the ropes and the referee claimed it was from a head butt.
In the seventh round Hughes had Hyland hurt. Hyland came back with a head butt and punch on the leg without the referee having a clue. In the eighth round Hughes hurt Hyland with a body shot making him turn away and walk toward a corner with Hughes following him from behind and hitting him in the face dropping him. Referee Lyson counted Hyland out after eight foul filled rounds. Hyland’s corner was very upset with the referee.
Super Lightweight Jamie “Ginger Rocket” Robinson, 10-4-2 (3), #141 ¾, of Bolsover, Derbyshire, UK, drew with Billy Allington, 8-1-3 (0), #141 ¾, of Egham, Surrey, UK, over 8 rounds.
In the first round with just over a minute remaining Robinson landed a right to the chin hurting Allington. Robinson failed to follow-up. In the third round Allington used an effective jab to take the round. In the fourth and fifth it was Robinson with Allington coming back taking it the rest of the way with all rounds close.
Referee Howard Foster and this writer had it 76-76.
Super Bantamweight Shabazz “Maverick” Masoud, 8-0 (2), #122 1/4, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, stopped Louie “2Sweet” Norman, 14-9-2 (1), #121 ¾, of Leicestershire, UK, at 1:12 of the fourth round of a scheduled 6 rounds.
In the first two rounds Masoud pushed Norman to the ropes. In the third round a left uppercut followed by a right cross from Masoud to the chin of Norman in the final seconds and down he went for an 8-count. In the fourth round Masoud drove Norman to the ropes dropped him with a right to the chin for an 8-count. Upon rising he never raised his hands seemingly not wanting to continue, yet the referee Mark Lyson pulled his gloves up and allowed it to continue. Masoud ran over and dropped him again with a right to the chin when referee Lyson finally waved it over!
Lightweight Sean “Seanie” Duffy, 4-0 (2), #134, of Keady, No. Ireland, UK, stopped southpaw Paul “The Incredible Holt” Holt, 7-10 (2), #134, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK, at 1:03 of the third round of a scheduled 6.
In the first round on three occasions Duffy drove Holt into the ropes twice with a dozen unanswered punches. In the second round both fighters were cut under the left eyebrow. Duffy continued driving Holt to the ropes before Holt fought his way off the ropes. In the third round after a half dozen punches a left hook from Duffy to the midsection of Holt dropped him to a knee after a slight delay and took the ten count from referee Howard Foster.
Super Welterweight, Eryk Apresyn, 7-1 (5), #152 ¾, of Poland and Marbella, Spain, lost to late sub Nathan Bendon, 4-3-1 (1), 153, of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, UK, over 6 close rounds.
In the first two rounds Apresyn switching from orthodox to southpaw had the edge. In the third round a left hook followed by a right from Bendon to the chin buckled the knees of Apresyn halfway through the round making him hold the rest of the way.
In the fourth and fifth rounds Apresyn came back to gain control and have the edge. In the sixth and final round referee Mark Lyson took a point from Apresyn for pushing Bendon down to the canvas taking a point away. Bendon seemed to take the round. Bendon had a small cut under his left eyebrow. Bendon took the fight on just a 4 day notice.
Scores was 57-56. The point taken cost Apresyn the fight. This writer had it 56-56.