Mutley to fight on at light welterweight

West Brom's Young Mutley has vowed to fight on after his recent semi final loss in Prizefighter The Light Welterweights and is going to campaign back at the 10 stone light welterweight limit where he believes he is strongest. Mutley will also Keep original trainer Jason Shinfield as main man in his corner (after bringing him back for Prizefighter) alongside Errol Johnson with both working together.

The 33 year old ex British champion beat Barrie Jones in the quarter final but then lost a close fight to old foe Colin Lynes (Lynes stopped Mutley in 2007 for the European strap) which included a rather dubious knockdown being given against Mutley.

Picture courtesy of theprizefighterseries.com/Matchroom Sport Ltd

Saville's suffers shock defeat

Friday 18th September 2009
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

This past Friday night First Team promotions hosted a five fight card billed as "Big Bother".

Local favourite Steve "Bomber" Saville was left fuming after losing a 96-95 decision to awkward Youssef Al Hamidi for the vacant British Masters light welterweight title, in what was an eventful top of the bill.

From early on it was clear Syrian born Al Hamidi had come to have a go and wasn't just there to make the numbers. The late substitute (Saville was originally supposed to fight Jon Baguley) landed some decent shots and was slightly the busier of the two, Saville looked to cover up and looked for the big shot.

In round four Saville found the big shot and dropped Al Hamidi. Al Hamidi was still the busier though in the middle rounds and Saville's left eye was badly swollen. In round six Al Hamidi was docked a point for blatant use of the head but Saville's eye looked a mess.

Saville seemed to tire in the later rounds and was struggling to keep his eye guarded at the same time trying to find one big shot. Al Hamidi however continued to outwork the Wednesfield man. At the end of the tenth referee Shaun Messer lifted Al Hamidi's hand much to the dismay of Saville. Al Hamidi improves to 6-20-1, whilst Saville is now 19-6-0.

Elsewhere the paparazzi were out in force as recent Big Brother contestant (and boxer) Angel McKenzie took on Wolverhampton's only female boxer (and current GBC super featherweight champion) Lyndsey Scragg. It was to be no eviction party for McKenzie though as hometown girl Scragg exited with a 79-75 points victory.

Essington Middleweight Ben Wilkes continued his improvement in his debut year with a 40-38 points victory over Matt Scriven who's always a good test. Wilkes improves to 5-0-0.

Worcester's Alex Strutt impressed with a first round stoppage victory over Scunthorpe's Davey Jones that send his travelling fans home happy.

Willenhall prospect Myles Holder made it three wins out of three with points victory overChris Brophy over six rounds.

Birmingham's Chris Truman improved to 2-0-0 with a shutout points victory over Welshman Craig Dyer over four three's.

In attendance at the decently supported show were ex British welterweight champion Young Mutley who entered the ring to applause, ex WBF light middleweight champion Marcus Portman, both from West Brom and current Commonwealth super flyweight champion Don Broadhurst.

McDermott to defend against Butler in Manchester

Dudley's Darren McDermott will defend his English title against mandatory challenger Bristol's Danny Butler on a Hatton promotions show at the Velodrome in Manchester on September 25th.

Purse bids were put out for this fight recently with Hatton's promotion team who represent Danny Butler winning the bids and putting the fight on for that date. There are strong rumours that this date could be Hatton's first show on Sky as part of the deal they have signed recently.

"The Black Country Bodysnatcher" Darren McDermott will be looking to get back to winning ways after recently coming up short in a Commonwealth title chance against Darren Barker and will want to keep the English strap he beat Steve Bendall for earlier in the year.

Butler has mixed in far less quality company as McDermott (who has also fought for the British title losing on a cut against Wayne Elcock last year). Although Butler does have a few decent wins, including one for the vacant Super-Middleweight British Masters title over Walsall's Matty Hough last year (Butler stopped Hough in the 5th at the Tower Ballrooms, Edgbaston) and his only loss was in the Prizefighter tournament where he lost to the eventual winner Martin Murray.

Hillocks wins at Tower Ballrooms

Tower Ballrooms, Edgbaston
Sunday 5th July

Brierley Hill's Quinton Hillocks continued his career climb with his third win in as many fights. The Super-Middleweight beat Weslhman Adam Wilcox on points over four.

Stourbridge's Richie Wyatt made it two wins from two fights beating Craig Dyer over two fours.

Also on the bill Dee Mitchell beat Martin Concepcion (the two had fought last year, Concepcion winning on that occasion), Eddie McIntosh beat Jamie Norkett and Nasser-Al-Harbi beat Martyn King all on points.

Gethin back on track, Spencer hits 100

Liquid Envy Nightclub, Luton
28th June, 2009

Walsall's Martin Gethin got back to winning ways lastnight with a win over Jason Nesbitt, whilst Wolverhampton's Delroy Spencer celebrated his 100th paid fight with a surprise win.

Lightweight Gethin bounced back after his shock controversial defeat to Chris Long last month, beating Nesbitt in a shut out 40-36 points victory. Gethin's manager Errol Johnson is now hoping to secure Gethin a shot at either Lee McAllister's Comonwealth title, or the British title that John Murray was forced to vacate for not making weight earlier this month.

Delroy Spencer loses more than he wins, but the veteran celebrated his impressive 100th bout with a shock points win over Belfast's Luke Wilton. Wilton was being touted as an opponent for Britih and Commonwealth Flyweight champ Chris Edwards, which makes 40 year old Spencer's win even more impressive.

Back The "Bring Back Bunce" campaign

T.V channel Setanta have as you may know ceased broadcasting this week, and with that goes a host of live boxing (Setanta had a exclusive deals with Top Rank, Hayemaker and Sauerland) but also means the discontinuation of Setanta's weekly boxing show Bunce's Boxing Hour, hosted by sports writer Steve Bunce and presenter Andy Kerr.

Many boxing fans across the U.K have come together to try and keep this fantastic T.V show on our screens by creating a website, petition and Facebook group. The site has already garnered support from the likes of Carl Froch, Don King and Micky Cantwell. We'd like to add our support to the cause and hope that you will too. For the good of boxing in the U.K this show needs to stay on the air.

Please support by visiting the site http://www.bringbackbunce.net/ where you can find all information.

Board order Macca to defend against Butler

The British Boxing Board of Control recently put out some interesting British and English title fights for purse bids including ordering Dudley's Darren "Macca" McDermott (pictured with his English title) to defend his Middleweight English title against Bristol's Danny Butler.

McDermott who won the English title in February at the N.I.A in Birmingham beating Coventry's Steve Bendall on points. McDermott was recently unsuccessful in stepping up and trying to capture Darren Barker's Commonwealth title (being stopped controversially in four) and has also fought for the British title (lost on a cut to Wayne Elcock last year).

Danny Butler who has been fighting under Ricky Hatton's promotional team recently has mixed in far lower quality but has some decent wins, one of which a fifth round stoppage over Walsall's Matty Hough and a second round KO over Jamie Ambler (who recently took McDermott six rounds losing on points). Butler's only defeat comes in the Prizefighter series losing in the semi-final to eventual winner Martin Murray.

Portman to headline Tower Ballroom show

West Bromwich Light-Middleweight Marcus Portman will headline a First Team promoted Sunday afternoon show at the historic Tower Ballrooms in Edgbaston, Birmingham on the 5th July.

No opponent has yet to be announced for Portman who will continue to try and force himself into the title mix. Portman has held the WBF title but has come short when fighting for the British title (beaten by Gary Woolcombe in 2007) and the Commonwealth strap (beaten by Bradley Pryce last year).

Also on the bill will be former English title challenger Dean Hickman who only fought once last year losing to Steve Williams, Coseley prospect Richard Ghent and Walsall's Sam Padgett who recently made an impressive stoppage win debut.

In other news from Saturday night, Stourbridge's Kevin McCauley beat house fighter Brock Cato (on points over six) on the Hatton Promotions bill in Bristol.

Scragg lifts GBC title, Deano back to winning ways

Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Friday 12th June 2009

Wolverhampton's only female boxer Lyndsey Scragg (pictured) made history on Friday's First Team promoted show at the Civic as she lifted the vacant GBC female Super-Featherweight title outpointing late sub Kristine Shergold. It was the first time a women's 'world' title had been contested in Wolverhampton. It was also back to winning ways for British title challenger Dean Harrison.

30 year old Scragg was the better of the two fighters over the ten rounds on the main outworking her opponent. Shergold had stepped in at very late notice after Uganda's Agnes Andonga had visa troubles and Shergold did have some success especially in the later rounds. A headclash caused a deep cut to Scragg and the Wednesbury girl had to hold on in the later rounds hoping that the fight would not be stopped on a cut. She managed to do so and with that lifted the vacant title.

Wolverhampton's popular Dean Harrison was also in action winning a shut out 60-55 points victory against Ali Wyatt over six rounds. Harrison however was less than impressed with his performance hampered by a thyroid problem that also meant he had to compete at Welterweight rather than his favoured Light-Welterweight. It was Harrison's first fight since his unsuccessful British title challenge in March where he lost to Paul McCloskey.

Essington prospect gained his first stoppage victory over Scunthorpe's Davey Jones. The two had met at the same venue in April, Wilkes winning a points victory. This time however Middleweight Wilkes went one better, stopping Jones with an impressive looking jab in the fifth round of a scheduled six.

In an all Wolverhampton clash Light-Welterweight Chris Lewis edged a 39-37 points victory over veteran Carl Allen.

Walsall's Bobby Wood built on his pro debut with an impressive points win over Ernie Smith. Wood had Smith down twice during the fight, in the first after a nice looking left-right combo.

Tipton Light-Welterweight Rob Doodey outpointed Birmingham veteran Karl Taylor over six rounds.

Birmingham Heavyweight Neil Perkins stopped Jason Callum in the third round on a cut.

Coventry's James Mulhern outpointed Francis Croes in a four round Super-Flyweight contest.

Rhys Davies also from Coventry and now trained by Oliver Harrison beat Michael Banbula 59-55.

In a Birmingham derby Anthony Hanna and Daniel Walton drew over four rounds in a Featherweight contest.

In other news from lastnight over the border in Clydebank, Scotland Darren Gethin from Walsall was stopped by local lad Vinnie Baldassara at the end of the fourth.

Last minute opponent change for Scragg

Wolverhampton's only female professional boxer Lyndsey Scragg will now face Paignton's Christine Sheargold after original opponent Uganda's Agnes Andonga had to pull out due to visa problems.

The fight which will headline tonight's First Team show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall will still be for the vacant GBC Super-Featherweight crown thus making it the first ever time a women's 'world' title has been contested in Wolverhampton.

Saville pulls out of Reid fight

Wednesfield's Steve "Bomber" Saville (pictured) has pulled out of this Friday's Lightweight Midland Area title defence at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Saville was due to headline the Civic bill defending his title for the first time against Stoke's Gary Reid but has come down with food poisoning which has meant he has missed vital sparring sessions leading upto the fight.

The First Team promoted show will go ahead with Wolverhampton's first ever womens 'world' title fight headlining as local favourite Lyndsey Scragg takes on Uganda's Agnes Adonga for the vacant GBC Super-Featherweight crown. Former British title challenger Dean Harrison will also fight on the bill, in a six rounder against Ali Wyatt.

First Team to host Graham Earl comeback

Wednesbury based First Team promotions will further spread their wings on June 28th by hosting a Sunday show at Liquid Envy nightclub in Luton. The show will be topped by the return of Luton's Graham Earl who will now compete at Light-Welterweight and will also feature Walsall's Lightweight hope Martin Gethin.

Earl had hung up his gloves last year after being blown out by Amir Khan and then Henry Castle (both in 1 round each) but has now had a change of heart. It will be the first time in his 12 year career that he will fight in his hometown.

In further First Team news their show set for Sports Connection in Coventry this Sunday has been cancelled.

Dudley results

The Venue, Dudley
Friday May 29th 2009

In the main event of the First Team promoted show Birmingham's Nasser Al Harbi beat Stourbridge's Kevin McCauley over six-twos 58-57.

Coseley's Richard Ghent claimed his first stoppage win in his third fight with a three round demolition of Jason Thompson. The fight was scheduled for six-twos.

Cradley's Chris Male improved his record to 5-0 by beating Telford's durable Shaun Walton (who Male had beaten in his debut) 40-36 over four-threes.

Coventry's Llewellyn Davies outpointed Welshman Mark Phillips 40-36 over four-threes.

Brierley Hill's Martin Gordan, now trained by Shaun Cooper, broke his 8 fight duck by beating Jason Nesbitt 40-38 over four two's.

In a very impressive debut hometown boy Sam Padgett stole the show by knocking out Steve Spence with a peach of an uppercut in the fourth of a scheduled four-twos.

Wolverhampton's Myles Holder also caught the eye in his debut beating Tamworth's Matt Seawright 40-36 over four-twos.

Kenney mastered by Miles

Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton-On-Trent
Sunday 31st May 2009

Wolverhampton's Rob Kenney saw his undefeated record smashed in the 7th round of his Welterweight British Masters title challenge on First Team's Sunday afternoon show at Burton's Meadowside Leisure Centre.

Kenney who was coming down in weight was downed in the seventh round by Alfreton's unbeaten prospect Dale Miles for the vacant title. For the first few rounds things were pretty even with Miles landing some good shots but Kenney perhaps edging it using his jab. Miles seemed to find some impotence from the sixth round onwards looking more dangerous landing some dangerous looking hooks to Kenney's body. The ending blow though came from a head shot, a thumping right hook by Miles that left Kenney dropping rather harshly, his legs falling from under him. Paramedics had to come into the ring but thankfully after a few minutes of being given oxygen Kenney exited the ring on his feet. 31 year old Kenney's record now stands at 8-2-1.

On the undercard West Brom's Wayne Downing bowed out in style stopping Derby's Scott Conway in the second. Downing who is retiring from active fighting to concentrate on training duties under the tutelage of Bob Plant and Errol Johnson at the First Team camp found Conway with two good left hooks that dropped Scott to the floor. Conway tried in vain to beat the count but could only manage to stagger towards his corner and then drop to the floor with only one second of round two remaining.

Of the rest of the card Derby's Jack Perry beat Wolverhampton's Carl Allen. Woodville's Duane Parker beat Derby's Luke Gallear in a local derby. Local favourite Jonjo Finnegan beat Ernie Smith. Olly Newham beat Paul Royston. Steve Jevons beat Daniel Thorpe. Nathan McIntosh bear Chris Brophy.

Macca furious at stoppage defeat

Watford Colosseum
Saturday 23rd May

Dudley's Darren McDermott was left fuming after refereee Dave Parris stopped his Commonwealth title challenge after he took an eight count in the fourth round of a highly charged contest live on ITV4.

The Middleweight contest had started brightly with Barnet's Barker edging the first round on sharpness letting go with some impressive shots. Barker continued to impress in the second and third round although McDermott with the backing of a substantial and noisy travelling support had his moments getting in close with Barker and finding some hard shots.

Barker's right had been looking impressive since round three, but had yet to really rock McDermott (who was sporting a rather flash blonde mohawk), that was until the fourth round when the shot forced McDermott to hold a few times. The shot proved to be "Macca's" downfall with the round coming to an end Barker threw a peach of a right hand knocking McDermott down. McDermott got to his knees straightaway and after looking at his corner rose after the full eight count, McDermott looked steady enough to continue but referee Parris waved the contest off to McDermott's obvious disgust.
After the fight McDermott along with trainer/manager Dean Powell were both angry with the decision both stating that McDermott had been instructed to take the eight count and rose on time and was fine to continue. Whilst I'd definitely agree with the stoppage being far too early Barker did look like he was controlling the fight, although you never know what can happen in boing. There were sadly clashes between some of the fans travelling down from Dudley and Barker's supporters and the police had to intervene.

Elsewhere on the televised Hennessy Sports show in the main support Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury continued his meteoric rise with a second round stoppage win over Scott Belshaw improving his record to 6-0 (all stoppage wins). Matthew Thirlwell beat George Hillyard when after being floored at the end of the fourth Hillyard didn't come out for the fifth. Also good amateur Bradley Evans could only manage a dissapointing draw in his second pro fight against Jevgenijs Kirillovs over four.

Downing hanging up gloves

Popular West Bromwich fighter come trainer Wayne Downing will have one final fight at the end of this month before hanging up his gloves for good.

Southpaw Downing, who fights at Light-Middleweight will fight Scott Conway on First Team's bill at the Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton-On-Trent on Sunday 31st May. It will be 29 year old Downing's 13th fight since making his pro debut in 2006 and he will hope to go out on a high. Downing's record currently stands at 4-8-0.

It will certainly not be the last we see of Downing who holds a professional trainers licence, near a boxing ring. He is intent on concentrating on the training aspect of the sport. He already works the corner for the First Team stable under the tutelage of experienced trainers Errol Johnson and Bob Plant and hopes to help nurture the stable's ever growing number of fighters.

Can Macca pull it off?

Twelve months ago Dudley Middleweight Darren "The Black Country Bodysnatcher" McDermott challenged for the British title in a midlands derby against the then champion Wayne Elcock losing on a nasty cut from a head clash in the second. This Saturday in Watford McDermott fights again for a major title, this time the Commonwealth strap, against "Dazzling" Darren Barker live on ITV4.

Since the defeat to Elcock (and subsequent loss of his undefeated record) McDermott has gotten back on track with an impressive English title win beating Coventry's Steve Bendall at the Birmingham N.I.A in February. He has also less impressively beat Jamie Ambler over six rounds in a keep busy fight only a month ago at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Many pundits, fans and boxers alike don't give McDermott much of a chance, feeling the slicker Barker will out skill and outbox the Dudley man. However I believe if McDermott can make a fight out of it, making it a gritty affair whilst also landing some big shots testing Barker's chin he could force a stoppage, the odds are against him though.

Controversial shock defeat for Gethin

Walsall's Martin Gethin lastnight suffered a shock defeat in what should of been a routine 'back to winning ways' four rounder. Gethin was beaten by capable journeyman Chris Long on a three fight bill held at Birmingham's Holiday Inn and promoted by Pat Cowdell.

Its a big blow for Lightweight Gethin who's last two fights have also ended in defeat, albeit at a much higher level (an English title challenge to Scott Lawton last December and a British title eliminator to John Watson in March). The defeat will certainly knock Gethin who was just underneath the British title contention set down the pecking order. Gethin's record now stands at 15-3-1.

Gethin's trainer Errol Johnson was furious at the decision, claiming that referee Shaun Messer scored the fight all wrong and that he'd counted a slip as a knockdown. Journalists at ringside seemed to agree with Johnson that although Gethin didn't box particurlarly well he still won the fight. The defeat could prove very costly for Gethin as Johnson had him lined up for a shot at the Commonwealth title.

Birmingham Featherweight Del Rogers also beat Telford's Shaun Walton on points over six, whilst Callum Archer also from Birmingham outpointed Stourbridge's Kevin McCauley over eight.

Kenney gets British Masters shot in Burton-On-Trent

Wolverhampton's Rob Kenney will get a shot at the vacant British Masters title when he faces Derby's Dale Miles at the Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton-On-Trent on May 31st. It will be Kenney's debut at Welterweight having fought mostly at Light-Middleweight or Middleweight.

Kenney returned to action last month at Wolverhampton Civic Hall where he drew with JJ Bird. He hadn't boxed before then since winning the vacant Midlands Area title at Middleweight against Max Maxwell last September.

Wednesbury based First Team promote the show.

Wolverhampton favourites back in action

Wolverhampton favourites Dean Harrison and Steve Saville will return to action (each after tasting defeat) at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on June 12th in what proves to be a bumper 1st Team bill dubbed "The Wanderers Return".

Lightweight Steve "Bomber" Saville will defend his Midland Area Title against banger Gary Reid in what could prove to be a classic small hall brawl. Reid who now resides in Stoke is originally from Wolverhampton and always comes to fight, although he has a losing record, handled differently this fighter could have been a British champ, it promises to be a cracking midland derby. Saville will be eager to put his defeat in the first tie of last month's Prizefighter series behind him and make his first successful defence of his title.

Dean "Deano" Harrison will try to get back on track after his British title defeat to Paul McCloskey in a six rounder against Ai Wyatt.

Also on the bill Wolverhampton's only female boxer will fight for a 'World' title when she faces Romanian Florea Lihal for the GBC World Super-Featherweight title.

Mixed fortunes for Stourbridge two

Mixed fortunes for two Stourbridge boxers yesterday at a dinner show hosted at the Heritage Hotel, Derby with both fighters fighting for vacant titles.

Sam Horton's stock continued to rise as he picked up his first belt, the vacant Super-Middleweight Midlands Area title, by beating Matthew Hainy on points over 10 rounds.

Not so good for Scott Evans though as he was stopped in only the 2nd round by Derby's Dave Ryan for the vacant Welterweight version of the belt Horton had won. Evans stepped up last time he fought beating Chris Long at short notice to claim the British Masters title at Welterweight.

Horton's record now stands at 13-0-0 (2 inside), while Evans slips to 8-1-0 (also 2 wins inside).

Back up and running

We're back up and running, the only boxing blog that concentrates on the Black Country area (Wolverhampton/West Brom/Dudley/Walsall) but also deals with all things related to the "Sweet Science" wolrdwide.

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Cheers.