York Hall undercard: War Machine demands Sexton rematch

A crossroads match-up between heavyweights Sam Sexton and Larry 'War Machine' Olubamiwo ended prematurely when Sexton suffered a nasty hairline gash and was forced to retire midway through the fifth of a scheduled eight. Due to recently amended legislation by the BBBofC, as Sexton’s cut was caused following an accidental clash of heads and four rounds had been completed, the outcome of the contest rested on referee Ken Curtis’s scorecard which tallied 49-48 in Sexton’s favour, thus awarding the Norwich man victory.

The outcome, which appeared to baffle both the officials, the media, the public and the fighters themselves was far from ideal. Following the accidental head clash in round four, referee Curtis twice took Sexton over to the ringside doctor to inspect the damage as blood bled profusely down the left side of his face, though not directly into Sam’s eye. Had Curtis have chosen to wave the fight off before the end of four completed sessions the outcome would have been ruled a technical draw – which probably would have made sense.

As it stands, Curtis’s decision to curtail the fight in the fifth resulted in Sexton, now 15-2 (6), being handed a narrow victory. At the time of the stoppage, neither fighter had established control although Sexton’s greater punch output was sufficient to place him in a decent lead on my card. Looking trim at 16st 5lbs, Sexton attempted to blitz Olubamiwo (17st 4lbs) early who was coming off a first round loss to John McDermott a year ago. Sexton crashed home a succession of overhand rights in the opener and in round three but Big Larry, demonstrating improved defensive qualities and composure under new trainer David Pereira, absorbed them well.

The bushy-bearded Olumbamiwo’s best spell of an encounter which never really caught fire came in round two when he forced Sexton onto the backfoot and landed some clubbing punches. Afterwards, an understandably disappointed Larry (now 10-3) called for a rematch. Former Commonwealth champion Sexton however seemed intent on moving on, though in fairness to the Norwich man he did seem willing and arguably able to continue until Curtis’s intervention.

Super-bantamweight Michael Maguire’s comeback following a two-year absence backfired when a last-gasp knockdown saw him lose his unbeaten record to Najah Ali. Maguire (8st 6lbs) started briskly and dominated the opening two sessions, rattling Ali with some rib-tickling body shots. Ali, originally from Iraq but now a resident of Cardiff, hung in there and started to come on strongly from the third as Maguire’s workrate noticeably slowed.

A right hand forced a tiring Maguire to stumble off-balance in round five as Ali (8st 6lbs) turned the tables on the Peterborough prospect who appeared on course to register a resounding victory early on. With the fight in the balance going into the sixth and final round, it was Ali who had plenty left in the tank. An uppercut snapped Maguire’s head back who could only muster single shots in reply. With less than ten seconds remaining, Ali uncorked a cracking body shot which sent Maguire careering to the canvas in agony with the last punch of the fight. Michael rose but was visibly in pain as he received attention from trainer Johnny Eames.

The knockdown was sufficient to deservedly tip the outcome in Ali’s favour as he earned a 57-56 points verdict from referee Jeff Hinds. The talented Ali, now 5-2-1, has thus claimed the scalp of another former amateur standout, having previously outpointed former ABA champion Don Broadhurst last year. Maguire, now 6-1, who was handed a tough assignment for his ring return, clearly has the talent to succeed from his amateur accomplishments but his dedication and fitness remain in question.

Welterweight Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete, appearing in his first eight-rounder in only his sixth fight, coasted to a points win against a negative Michael Frontin. Bradley looked on course for an early night when an uppercut followed by a right hand sent Frontin sprawling to the canvas in the opener. Michael rose gingerly and was placed under pressure immediately upon the resumption of Jeff Hinds’ mandatory eight count but survived the round.

More accurate right hands from Skeete had Frontin looking shaky in round two as Bradley continued to dominate behind his jab. Frontin’s only solitude came in the fifth as Skeete became sloppy as he took his foot off the gas. The action became predictable down the stretch as Bradley boxed within himself with the win in the bag as he took a 80-71 verdict from referee Hinds. The angular Skeete has all the tools to go a long way and it will be interesting to see how he develops in 2012.

ABA middleweight champion John Dignum (11st 10lbs) from Brentwood made a smooth transition into the pro ranks with a four-round points victory over Lincolnshire journeyman Ryan Clark (11st 12lbs). Southpaw Dignum displayed a stiff jab and good accuracy as he took advantage as Clark rushed in. Dignum was briefly taken out of his stride by a blatant low blow from Clark in round three, which went unnoticed by referee Curtis, but soon regained control. John closed out the fight stylishly by scoring with a volley of head shots as Clark foolishly dropped his hands when against the ropes. Referee Curtis’s scorecard tallied 40-36.