Lee Duncan: a new kid off the old Ingle block!

A bright light shone on a Thursday night (28th January) of boxing at London’s Mayfair Millennium Hotel - which has a reputation for bright lights and late nights!

At short notice, Dominic Ingle-trained light-heavyweight Lee Duncan stepped in and stepped up in a style that won’t wear off those in attendance for quite a while.

I’ve heard it said many times to never judge a book by its cover and found that line of wisdom to be a useful tool as I journey on through the school of life, and what’s more since I’ve began to live my dream in covering the punches and punchers I’m discovering that it’s not too wise if you judge a fighter by his record.

I can remember watching many shows on the telly and the moment I saw a boxer's record bearing several or more defeats it wouldn’t be too long before I would think or say 'bum'.

But time and experience has taught me defeat is not the end of the road. In some cases it’s just the beginning. A fighter can learn much in his setback, if he is willing to observe himself and more importantly, is an open book to teaching.

On entering Duncan’s dressing room, Dominic was calmly standing with his back against the wall. This became ironic when I was told his pupil Duncan didn't have the most eye-catching of records.

And discovering this didn't come easy. As I enquired of Lee's facts and figures, Ingle began to be elusive. “We are keeping his record quiet.” Now I didn’t travel twenty or so miles and got soaked in the process to go away without a fight!

On pressing Dominic, he smiled and replied willingly. “I’m only kidding he has one win, three defeats and one draw."

Now can you imagine the kind of look I would have had on my face if this happened at a time when I believed a record resembles the total truth of a fighters ability not so long ago?

I can't imagine Ingle or Duncan would have taken too long in escorting me away from their company!

But wasn’t Dominic a little concerned about his 21-year-old Sheffield based student having to sit a short notice exam against St Albans' Joe Smyth who is unbeaten in six?

It didn’t appear so as he answered, “The main thing is that a fighter is in the gym.”

And from the room to the ring we go. Duncan (12st 8lbs) was matched with Smyth (12st 10lbs) as a substitute for Pawel Trebinski but proved to be a match winner.

Wearing sparkling silver and black shorts Duncan started this four-threes by bouncing and jabbing which mapped out the course of an exciting contest. And it was a stiff jab from him in the first coupled by beautiful boxing that secured him the round.

In the second it was Smyth who came out on the front foot and producing harder shots causing Lee to look tired. Was the late replacement’s bubble about to burst?

The penultimate round soon answered that question with Lee making it look easy while Ingle was a constant source of corner encouragement. A brilliant display of footwork and swift movement left Smyth looking finished at the end of the round.

As they came out for the fourth and final round and touched gloves, Duncan showed he was loving it by, planting a kiss on Smyth. An alarm bell could have rang when Lee took a heavy right to the head but back he came with his trademark left hook and jab rolled into one.

An energetic and delighted Ingle shouted “You’ve won this Lee.” Moments later his prophecy was proven. Duncan’s hands were raised as the referee Robert Williams scored it 39-37.

Ingle was soon on the end of a massive hug from his proud and appreciative apprentice and the affection continued as he sportingly consoled his opponent beaten for the first time in seven fights.

It was a well received victory for a crowd that was heavily behind Smyth but like me they were gripped by an outstanding performance from an unexpected source.

Duncan is a typically classy Ingle stable trained boxer, sharp reflexes, intensely focused and unfazed.

A fine work of relaxed and elegant art.

Being in Mayfair I’m not surprised!