Wayne Alwan-Arab closing in on bigger fights

Boxing isn’t only about the bright lights, big names and large crowds. Away from the glitz and glamour there remains a place for the small hall show, even without the backing of live TV and hype filled advertising.

Promoter Micky Helliet took his event up West for three fights at the Mayfair Millennium Hotel last night.

As the table guests wined and dined, Southampton lightweight Matty Tew took his tally to 4-0 with a 40-36 victory over Manchester based Damien Turner (now 10-1) in the bill opener.

Tew gets my nod for the night’s best fighter after a busy and stylish performance which saw him rarely miss his target. With constant switching of combinations to Turner’s head and body Tew pleased his noisy followers who constantly instructed him what to do. In the moments when Tew (9st 13lbs) strayed from using his most effective method his corner pleaded ‘jab is the best thing.'

Turner (10st) was already breathing heavily in the second round and Tew constantly proved physically stronger in pushing his man back and trapping him on the ropes where he would fire out lefts to the head and body, causing Turner to look increasingly perturbed.

In the fourth round, 28-year-old Turner was gasping for air while Tew’s corner voiced ‘enjoy it mate.’ And he wasn’t the only one who relished the moment.

At the end Tew was kissed and hugged my his proud mum.

Top of the bill saw Hackney middleweight Wayne Alwan-Arab notched up win number 12 on his unblemished log by outpointing seasoned journeyman Matt Scriven for the second time over four rounds in a middleweight match.

Hailing from Nottingham, Scriven spends regular periods working in Afghanistan and is now bearing the appearance of a man who has been hit with some serious blasts, but hasn’t lost his ability to last the distance.

Arab (11st 5lbs) began in stylish manner using his jab which quickly Scriven saw (11st 12lbs) adopt the defensive mode, but it didn’t prevent his head being rocked back by a solid uppercut.

The Zimbabwe-born boxer’s accuracy caused Scriven’s nose to bleed and his left eye to redden all in the opening round. A similar pattern of multi-punch combinations to Scriven’s head and body continued throughout as he displayed excellent timing and patience in picking scoring shots as his corner instructed ‘Keep your shape, Wayne.’

Scriven did enjoy slim success when he caught Arab with right hands to his head which promted both referee Jeff Hinds who judged all the bouts, and this writer to award him a share of the final round.

Arab was a conclusive 40-37 winner.

At 28 and a professional for nigh on four years, Arab is currently ranked just below the top men in a quality division, but the Southern Area title or a Prizefighter tournament would present an ideal opportunity to enhance his career further.

From Australia to Clapham (South London) for debutant Nathan Skeen who ran out a clear 59-55 points winner over Bristol cruiserweight Nick Gigg.

Skeen (14st 3lbs) hails from the same trainer and stable as British light-welterweight champion Lenny Daws and he opened this six-twos with a meaty right hand which connected with Gigg’s head.

In his first paid outing Skeen looked over keen to please which made him a little reckless and undisciplined several times.

He was effective at range and boxing off the jab, but when he boxed in close the action got a little messy. Gigg (14st 1lb) did little else than hold and came in with his head low, but otherwise I can’t recall him landing any telling punches as he lost for the first time in his second outing.

Skeen was pushing the fight and in the later rounds became more composed as his trainer Ian Burbedge was a constant source of guidance instructing him to jab and box at distance and warning him not become careless.

It wasn’t the most appealing of fights and I question what the MC was watching as he said 'exciting cruiserweights.’

All in all though, a decent night’s boxing.