Gillingham undercard highlights
Dillian Whyte made his professional bow with a powerful display in outpointing Bulgarian Tayar Mehmed over four rounds. Whyte looked fleshy at 18st but used his near three stone advantage to great effect against a man who has spent his career at cruiserweight.
Originally hailing from Jamaica, Whyte pumped out heavy left hands and jabs while finding the granite chin Tayar an easily accessible target. By the second round Tayar’s face was displaying the heavy marks of Whyte’s hands. A similar pattern continued throughout and referee Jeff Hinds had an easy task in scoring a 40-36 shut out.
Crayford's Mene Edwards outpointed tough John Anthony in a mini slug fest. The 26 year-old was last seen losing to Tony Dodson in January’s light-heavyweight Prizefighter, but returned to winning ways despite having to endure several shaky moments. Anthony (13st 5lb) at 10 years his senior constantly looked for the one punch finish while much of Edwards (13st 4lb 8oz) work lacked the weight to seriously trouble the Doncaster journeyman. It was hardly a text book spectacle but their efforts to gain a stoppage were greatly appreciated by the engaged crowd. Referee Jeff Hinds scored 60-55 as Edwards improved to 6-1.
The show opener saw Southampton based middleweight Tony Hill controversially stop Paul Samuels at 42 seconds of the second round. Hill (11st 12lb) a professional less than two years began by popping out a stiff jab into Samuels' face. The Newport man (11st 9lb) came into the ring sporting a bat-man type mask, but with the ease Hill’s shots were finding him he would have been better advised to wear a helmet. Samuels had fought just two weeks ago and the Newport man was livid when referee Jeff Hinds intervened on the back of six unanswered punches.
Having his 33rd fight, the durable Samuels had a good case and (pardon the pun) in 'hinds'ight, Jeff should have let him ride the storm. In the dressing room afterwards Samuels further pleaded his case adding “he (Hill) was made to win.” Despite the unrest Hill now (8-1) is quietly building a good following and it would be interesting to see him fight for the southern area belt which will be contested tomorrow at the York Hall when Albanian Kreshnik Qato and Surrey’s Gary Boulden meet.
