Purdy can't cross his Lynes
Just before the three judges scorecards were read out at the York Hall last night, MC John McDonald called the British welterweight duel between Lee Purdy and Colin Lynes the fight of the year.
Billed as the 'Battle of Essex', it was Hornchurch`s challenger Lynes who prevailed over Colchester champion Purdy in an enthralling contest.
At the end of 12 rounds, Purdy had a resigned look of defeat on his face and that was soon confirmed with wide scores from Mark Green (117-112) and Richie Davies (119-110), while Ian John Lewis absurdly tallied a 114-114 draw.
Purdy came into the local derby as the favourite and on a high fresh from two scintillating fifth round stoppages over Craig Watson earlier this year while in stark contrast the 33 year-old Lynes, a professional for over 13 years, had promised to retire if defeated. The feeling around ringside was that the vastly experienced Lynes would probably start well and build up an early lead before being eventually overcome by the 24 year-old Purdy`s perceived greater power. However, former British and European light-welterweight champion Lynes superbly executed a game plan throughout by staying on his toes and utilising a textbook jab which both surprised and frustrated the ever brave Purdy.
From the off, Lynes (10st 6lbs 5oz) in his fifth British title fight began sharper by popping out his jab off the back foot taking the opening rounds as Purdy (10st 6lbs 2oz) continually marched forward looking for a big shot which never looked like coming. It set the pattern for the bout and was key to Lynes building momentum and an early lead as he schooled Purdy catching him at ease. The manner in which Purdy twice dispatched Craig Watson was probably a major factor in his conviction that he would soak up Lynes' jab before finding the target as he continued to apply the same ineffective tactics throughout.
A clash of heads in the seventh round opened a cut above Purdy`s right eye and further added to Purdy`s difficulties before Lynes cheekily gave him a `look who is the boss` stare at the bell. By the ninth round Lynes was taking the centre ring and began pushing Purdy back connecting with six left hooks while aiming for his opponent`s eye injury. A Lynes right hand in the tenth saw Purdy stagger back and fall to the canvas as he claimed a slip but referee Marcus McDonnell scored a knockdown.
Lynes, now 36-9, may have finished with a severely swollen right eye largely due to becoming careless in the final round but he walked away with the prized Lonsdale belt and becomes the oldest ever holder of the British welterweight title. Purdy, who falls to 16-3-1, and was denied his right to secure the Lonsdale belt outright has enough heart to come again but needs greater versatility if he is to achieve further success.
Overall skill and conditioning won the day for the supposedly shot Lynes in a bout where respect between all parties and fans was evident. Lynes, just two weeks ahead of his 34th birthday, is now firmly in the shake-up among a highly competitive 10st 7lb domestic division.
Images by Bernard Miller for BoxRec News
