Last night proved to be a a treat for a packed out York Hall in Bethnal Green. Firstly the fans were treated to an explosive chief support bout for the English light-middleweight title, featuring Liverpool’s Nick Quigley against Erik ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng. To the surprise of the crowd, Quigley came out looking for a war and battered Ochieng against the ropes. This was the pattern of the fight with Quigley throwing a phenomenal volume of punches, however the cleaner and more telling shots came from ‘The Eagle’ who seemed content to pick his man off. By the seventh round with the pace still blistering it looked as though Quigley’s gamble had paid off as Ochieng was visibly tired. Quigley kept pressing the attack but in the eighth round Erik had turned it around landing a flurry of his own on the Liverpudlian’s chin, which made him wince. Both fighters still seemed game as they returned to their corners. What followed was a sensible yet somewhat disappointing ending. As the fighters began the ninth round Ochieng landed a heavy shot to the face of Nick Quigley who appeared to take it well when his Father, Tony, threw the towel in. After initial confusion from both fighters and the referee the contest was stopped with Erik ‘The Eagle’ winning via TKO. Nick should take heart from his performance and not dwell on the result. Both fighters fought at an incredibly high tempo and thrilled everyone watching.
On to the main event which was the continuation of Carl Frampton’s march to glory. The protege of Irish legend Barry McGuigan, Frampton has been touted as the next Irish superstar and so far he has lived up to the hype. Aside from an awkward points win over Wales’ Robbie Turley last June it has been plain sailing for the Belfast fighter who now boasts eight KO’s in twelve contests. It was with only average anticipation then that I watched his fight with Scotland’s Kris Hughes last night for the Commonwealth super-bantamweight title. On paper Hughes had the potential to trouble Frampton being a rangy south paw with a huge size and reach advantage, although having only one knock out from sixteen fights there was going to be very little danger. From the opening bell it was Frampton who pressed the attack as Hughes tried to stay out of range and being particularly cagey with his shots. The crowd seemed less than impressed with the challenger who was not willing to trade with their man. There were points when Frampton was even out jabbing the Scot. As the fight progressed into the sixth round, Frampton decided to cut loose and give the fans what they wanted, he landed a beautiful combination on Hughes who beckoned the Irishman on, Hughes proved a solid chin and survived the round. The next round started as the last ended, with Frampton bullying Hughes showing little regard to his power. From no where came a devastating right hand which landed flush on the chin of the Scot and put him down on the canvas, there was an attempt to rise but it was clear that Kris Hughes was done. Another clinical performance by ‘The Jackal’ but now I think it’s time that he tests his mettle against some classy opposition in the form of Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe. Now they would be some great fights!
Don’t forget that VIP tickets are still available for Nathan Cleverly’s homecoming fight at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on February 25th, also tickets for the St. Davids day boxing celebrations: Night of the Dragon on March 2nd at the same venue. Call Kevin on 02920 234 567
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