Karl's opponent looks out of place

Karl Place began Saturday night’s action (or lack of it) on Frank Maloney's eleven-fight Brentwood bill with a six round clean slate over Danny Dontchev.

Making his first appearance down south, the touted Manchester light-welterweight (10st 10lbs) looked several classes above the 35 year-old London-based Bulgarian both on paper with his record reading a modest 4-26 and in the ring based on his performance.

Place quickly set the pattern by connecting with several sickening body shots in the opening round and with little coming back from Dontchev this was a taster of how nine of the remaining ten fights would fare.

Further body punches and uppercuts followed in the second and third by which time Dontchev (10st 8lbs 12oz) looked ready to go.

He took rest bites in the third and fifth rounds after Place caught him south of the border and displayed his discomfort while his manager Micky Helliet vocalised his disapproval before being directed away by trainee referee Ian McCann.

An easy outing for the 22 year-old  who is now 12-0 but equally frustrating for the onlookers.

And while I understand a prospect's undefeated log is vital to Sky TV who love a record with an 0, there is little purpose or pleasure for the paying public in watching a potential star facing an opponent who offers even less than this present government.