Anthony Joshua KO2 Raphael Zumbano Love
Ever since Anthony Joshua demolished Denis Bakhtov in two disturbing rounds back in October 2014, there have been calls for the so obviously blessed heavyweight to be matched tougher.
Unfortunately for South America’s heavyweight champion Raphael Zumbano Love (donning velour shorts on the night) these calls have been ignored. In two equally alarming rounds he, just like his 11 peers before him, found out just what the fuss is all about.
It was 1:21 in the second round that Joshua detonated his destructive overhand right that brought an end to the one-sided beating in spectacular fashion. The Brazilian crumpled to the canvas – what small fight he had ripped from his body in an instant – failing to answer the 10 count.
An empathic win for Joshua over an opponent who was so out of his depth it was incredible. Unfortunately, this was to be a theme of the evening. The Olympic Gold medalist moves to, 12-0 (12KO’s), and is still yet to hear the bell for the 4th round.
Up next he will meet the delusional, but durable Kevin Johnson in his first real test – of his punching power at least – at London’s O2 Arena on 30th May.
Sam Eggington TKO7 Joseph Lamptey
It was billed as the most competitive televised fight of the evening and so it proved, as the ever-improving Birmingham boy Sam Eggington bested wild Ghanaian Joseph Lamptey via 7th round stoppage.
Eggington triggered the end to proceedings with a vicious right hook that shook the African to his boots and had him in all sorts of trouble. What followed was a desperate firefight in which the home fighter came out on top, landing at will off both sides to force a timely stoppage from the referee, 2:05 into the 7th round.
Lamptey was game and came to win, that much was clear from the opening bell, when he slung a right hook from the back of the arena that missed by miles. But, his will was insufficient to combat the controlled display from Eggington, showing patience in the face of rugged pressure not to force the action and let his punches flow.
He grew in confidence the fight wore on and pressed home his advantage impressively to claim the vacant Commonwealth welterweight title in some style.
Eggington, now 15-2 (9KO’s), looks a force to be reckoned with on a domestic scene that includes Bradley Skeete and Glenn Foot, fights that could be in his immediate future.
Kal Yafai KO1 Isaac Quaye
It took Kal Yafai 82 seconds to get rid of Isaac Quaye, a man who cut a bewildered figure when he was stretched out by a mighty left hook for which he had no answer.
This sort of fight is not what Yafai will need if he is going to realise his world title aspirations, however, he can hardly be blamed. His early professional promise has been interrupted be niggling injuries and when his fight with Rey Megrino fell through it was important for him to stay active.
The elder of the Yafai brothers moves on to, 15-0 (10KO’s), and will be looking for a sterner test next time out.
Callum Smith KO1 Olegs Fedotovs
Immediately after Callum Smith clubbed a completely out of his depth Olegs Fedotovs into submission within 96 seconds, it was announced that he will face Frenchman Christophe Rebrasse on 26th June at Liverpool Echo Arena.
With this considered the fight, which was as one sided as it gets, served a purpose. Smith has been absent from the ring for 6 months with a hand injury that showed no ill effect for the short time it bounced off Fedotovs forehead.
Rebrasse will provide a European level test for Smith, now 16-0 (12KO’s), who will be eager to better the unanimous decision achieved by George Groves less than 9 months ago.
Luke Campbell TKO3 Aboubeker Bechelaghem
Regardless of the opposition the appreciation of the quality possessed by 2012 Olympic champion Luke Campbell is a constant. Tonight was no exception as he unleashed a blistering 10-12-punch combination that saw the towel fly from the Bechelaghem corner in the 3rd round and not a moment too soon.
The Frenchman pressed the action in admirable fashion, however, when the end came 1:03 into round 3, the gulf in class was bordering on cruel. It must be said, that Matchroom are not known for pushing shows that resemble glorified exhibitions, but this fight in particular had that feel.
Campbell, now 11-0 (9KO’s), is past this stage and a big test can’t come soon enough for a fighter, who for my money, already has the beating of every lightweight fighter on UK shores. He gets the chance to prove it against hometown rival Tommy Coyle in their native Hull next time out.
Matthew Macklin KO2 Sandor Miscko
Matthew Macklin achieved a morale boosting victory when stopping late replacement Sandor Miscko with a heavy right to the body 1:28 into round 2.
What this tells us about Macklin’s ability to return to world level is anyone’s guess; Miscko at best could be described as limited. I suppose we will learn more next time out, I would like to see him tested before he is thrust in with either Andy Lee or Daniel Jacobs as has been muted.
The hunger is still there with Macklin; only time will tell if the ability remains. His record now reads, 32-6 (21KO’s).
Other Results
Gamal Yafai PTS8 Arnold Solano
Lennox Clarke PTS4 Alistair Warren
Dan Breeze PTS4 Kevin Macauley
Michael Rooney PTS4 Ishmail Anwar
Jordan Cooke PTS4 Liam Richards
