Super Saunders battles to big points victory
Billy Joe Saunders (in red) stalks Matthew Hall around the ring at York Hall, Bethnal Green. Photo: Dan Smith - Credit: Archant
Billy Joe Saunders headlined a winning night for local hopes on the latest Frank Warren bill at York Hall on Thursday, when he clearly outpointed Manchester’s Matthew Hall and then beat the drum for a showdown with hot rival John Ryder.
Saunders, from east London’s TKO Gym, versus unbeaten puncher Ryder, who is based at the Hainault gym of Tony Sims, looks to be a top attraction in the capital with British champion Saunders insisting: “John Ryder is a good prospect, but he won’t beat me.”
Saunders punished veteran Hall in every round with his relentless head and body assault, and the loser praised his rival as one of the most talented fighters he had faced during his 10-year career — before announcing his retirment.
Another TKO fighter, former West Ham amateur Billy Morgan, stayed unbeaten in a six-rounder, easily outpointing Trowbridge campaigner Dan Carr — a fighter he defeated on his professional debut in 2010.
The stylish Morgan showed off his skills with long-range shots to control the clash, winning by a 60-55 margin, but after eight fights is keen to step up against tougher opposition.
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Gym-mate Tom Baker also continued his winning ways as he outpointed former Central Area champion Jason Ball, jabbing and hooking effectively on his way to a 40-37 victory over the Doncaster fighter.
Baker, a successful amateur at Repton and West Ham, has recorded four clear points wins in nine months as a pro fighter under father and son training duo Jimmy and Mark Tibbs.
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Another rising middleweight, John Dignum, showed his ability to subdue Telford’s tough Kieron Gray in a four-round supporting scrap, with Dignum increasing his dominance during the later stages.
The former ABA champion has boxed his way to three wins in four paid outings, and the latest success came four days after John and twin brother Danny, a GB elite squad amateur, celebrated their 21st birthday.
? Former Repton amateur Mike Evans goes for his fifth straight professional win on the Goodwin Promotions’ show at Grays Civic Hall on Friday, April 5.
Evans is set to face Robert Studzinkski — a Polish fighter based in Wales — in a four-round light-heavyweight contest.
Chris Goodwin, Tyler Goodjohn and Lee Markham are also billed in 10-round contests on the latest Goodwin promotions show at the venue.
