Matchroom to push super-lightweight to world level
Ohara Davies moved a step nearer his world title ambition as he punched out his latest win, stopping Derry Mathews in three rounds at the O2 Arena on Saturday.
A 15th straight victory boosted Davies’ ranking into the world top 10 and promoter Eddie Hearn insisted the fighter can bypass domestic titles to go for global honours.
“Ohara has a lot of talent and we are ready to push him forward at world level,” said Hearn and there were certainly no arguments from 50-fight veteran Mathews.
“Ohara is a good kid and hits really hard. I think he can go all the way,” admitted the 33-year-old Liverpudlian who confirmed his retirement after the fight.
After a third win in five months the east Londoner who holds the WBC super-lightweight silver belt now plans a short break.
He said: “I have been working so hard in the gym and I think it showed in my performance in the ring, but I will be back after enjoying a rest and a holiday.”
The pre-fight insults were forgotten as the pair showed respect, with Davies adding: “All that trash-talking was just hype to build the fight. Derry is a good fighter who has achieved so much in his career.”
However the winner had less trouble than many expected as he defeated his challenger in nine minutes of one-sided action.
Dictating the long-range exchanges in the opening two rounds, Davies turned on the power with a battery of blows in the third.
The veteran took a count on his knees, but there was more pain on the way as he regained his feet and walked into savage hooks and uppercuts.
Referee Victor Loughlin tolled another count and then allowed just a brief barrage before signalling it was all over with Mathews slumped against the ropes.
Davies also took time to praise coach Tony Sims, adding: “He has shown faith in my ability and taught me so much in the gym.”
*East London cruiserweight Jose Lopes has always aimed to become a big name on the boxing scene since he first pulled on a pair of gloves.
And after seven straight wins that dream is still alive as he looks forward to scoring another victory at York Hall on Saturday night.
“Of course I am still chasing this dream of mine. Believe me when the time comes I won’t be denied,” said the towering six foot three inch prospect.
The 26-year-old Lopes is booked for a 10-round tussle with Willesden rival Ossie Jervier on the Kevin Campion promotion at York Hall on Saturday.
Having just one bout since January last year – his career-best points win over Russ Henshaw at York Hall in September – hardly seems a title schedule.
But Lopes, who in the past concentrated on his studies at the University of East London, is determined to make up for lost time and boost his ring career.
“I can’t wait to get back in action under those lights again,” added the Angola-born Lopes, who represented the African nation in amateur international competitions.
Opponent Jervier guided by Tunde Ajayi at Canning Town’s Peacock gym and launched his pro career with three good wins.
That form came to a halt with two defeats last year, but the second was a single-point points loss against Karl Wheeler at York Hall in October.
That win set Wheeler up for a Southern Area title contest against explosive Wadi Camacho at York Hall on Saturday week where they meet for the vacant belt.
A meeting with the winner of the March 18 title fight looks an obvious opportunity for Lopes, particularly a showdown with local rival Camacho, assuming Lopes comes through a winner himself on Saturday.
The Southern Area light-heavyweight title clash between Jordan Joseph and Chris Hobbs tops the York Hall bill on Saturday where Arfan Iqbal, Adrian Martin, Darrell Church, Nick Parpa and Sam Barron are also set for action.
Saturday’s show launches a hectic week for local boxers with a Matchroom show at York Hall on Friday, March 17 headlined by unbeaten rivals Alan Higgins and Craig Richards meeting for the Southern Area super-middleweight title.
The St Patrick’s night bill also features Isaac Chamberlain, Ben Hall, Reece Bellotti, Felix Cash and Danny Dignum, while MTK promotions stage the first of six shows booked at the Brentwood Centre, featuring brothers Sonny and Paul Upton, plus back-in-action Colin Lynes, Freddie Turner, Billy Allington and Charlie Duffield.
*John Fearnley, one half of twin boxing brothers showing promise at Poplar’s Lansbury Club, put another win on his record on Saturday’s St Osyth BC show.
Back after an injury-forced lay-off, Fearnley outpointed Eddie Kennedy (Rayleigh) with accurate attacks to earn the unanimous vote of the judges.
Clubmate Shey Wilson was also in winning form outpointing Charlie Conaughton (Attleborough) in a good bout.
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