McIntosh lifts European title following sensational late rally

Norwich’s Danny McIntosh claimed the vacant European light-heavyweight crown in dramatic fashion with a sensational come-from-behind stoppage over Thierry Karl in Levallois-Perret, France tonight. Despite putting up a gritty effort, McIntosh looked to be heading for defeat until he nailed Karl with a huge overhand right with a minute remaining in round eleven.

Though the Frenchman remained upright a rampant ‘Big Mac’ launched a relentless attack which sent the stunned Karl (now 28-5) sprawling to the canvas, prompting Italian official Guido Cavalleri to wave things off with 38 seconds remaining in the session.

Despite being four years Karl’s senior at 30, a confident-looking McIntosh (now 13-1) entered the ring having boxed only 13 times in the pro ranks compared to Karl’s 32 and had never gone beyond seven rounds. But what the charismatic Norwich man may lack in experience, he certainly makes up for in determination and a willingness to throw caution to the wind which ultimately saw him rewarded with a superb away victory.

Given how both fighters recklessly swapped bombs in the early exchanges, the odds of this fight going long appeared remote. Karl’s better accuracy with right hands was enough for him to take the opening session but McIntosh stormed back and a huge right cross of his own opened up a cut to the side of Karl’s right eye in round two. After a long (and rather unnecessary) inspection by the ringside doctor, Karl gathered his composure and tightened his defence to produce the tidier work in rounds three and four.

Reigning English champion McIntosh continued to box as though he was acutely aware that only a knockout would result in him returning home with the European belt strapped around his waste. However, his defensive frailties and recklessness up close enabled Karl to pile up the points with his greater accuracy. A brace of rights rattled McIntosh at the start of the fifth but the Briton refused to give ground and he almost dislodged Karl’s gumshield with a retaliatory attack of his own.

Karl’s more precise punches ensured he was in a handy lead at the halfway point as McIntosh began to ship more punishment. Seemingly undeterred, Danny began to showboat which was not well received by Karl or the partisan crowd. The fight was slipping away from McIntosh as his reflex-based defence was being increasingly penetrated. His excellent conditioning and study chin ensured the always dangerous Briton remained in contention though.

Sensing he was trailing on the scorecards, McIntiosh resorted to some questionable tactics which saw him punch on the break on several occasions. Referee Cavalleri’s patience finally evaporated after the Norwich man gestured to touch gloves but instead drilled Karl with a cuffing left hook which bundled the Frenchman to the mat in round eight which earned him a point’s deduction. Clearly riled, Karl retaliated with a succession of right hands followed by a left hook that seemed to have McIntosh briefly in trouble but Danny held on and was still in there swinging away at the bell.

After a quieter round nine, which seemed to finish 30 seconds early, McIntosh enjoyed his best period of the fight in the tenth after he forced Karl to the ropes and appeared to shake the upright Frenchman with a barrage of rights. Danny returned to his corner with a knick under his right eye but was urged to make his shots count by trainer Dominic Ingle who sensed that Karl was suddenly there for the taking.

McIntosh, who neglected his jab in the main, continued to put everything into his attacks and was finally rewarded for his considerable endeavour when a right hand buckled Karl’s legs in round eleven. McIntosh immediately followed up but his attack was inexplicably curtailed when referee Cavalleri stepped between the fighters. It seemed for a moment that the Italian official was going to administer a standing eight count to the groggy Karl but then thought better of it and allowed the action to continue. To his credit, McIntosh kept his focus and refused to be denied as he battered the shell-shocked Karl to the floor to bring about the fight’s dramatic conclusion.