Conway faces upstart Liddard – British title fight

Article first appeared at BigFightWeekend.com

In the unrehearsed punk opera of boxing, beguiling and bewildering such as it is, lurching from the sublimity of Terence Crawford’s victory over Saul Alvarez to the absurdity of Tank Davis versus Jake Paul, there is much to be said for listening to an old standard or two to nurture the soul.

A British and Commonwealth Middleweight title fight at the York Hall, Bethnal Green is just such a song. Northampton’s Kieron Conway, 23-3-1 (7) enters as the champion with much at stake. Across the ring will be the ‘Billericay Bomber’, George Liddard, he of the Olly Murs grin and the urgency of youth.

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October 17, 2025 0

Timeless. Priceless. Wardley guts Gorman in 3 to become British Champion

Where there's a will there's a way
Proverb

As a thick snake of blood oozed from a cut on Fabio Wardley’s busted nose, punches smeared and splattered it across his brow and cheek. His teeth grinding into his mouth piece beneath. A giant, visible to Wardley through a mask of warm claret, lumbered closer, the possessor of greater experience, heft and the initiative. The Ipswich man grimaced but chose to walk forward. Toward the tumult. Where many would hold or fold, Wardley elected to fight. Not to box, but to fight. In that distinction, in Wardley’s willingness to risk when vulnerable and hurt, the British Heavyweight title, with all its abundant history, was won.

Gorman proved unable to match or repel Wardley’s spirited response to the success he’d enjoyed in the first round and fell to defeat in the third. The white towel of surrender fluttering on to the canvas to confirm the fighter’s shallower resistance was spent. By then, Gorman had been on the floor twice in the second and once in the third.

Wardley’s youthful combination of flaws and enterprise suggest many equally entertaining nights lay ahead.

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November 27, 2022 0

Fighters, like all of our heroes, are just people

In the relative tranquility of midweek, a peace I enforce rather than receive from boxing by default, when the memory of the preceding weekend is flushed of emotion and the fights ahead do not yet submerge them into shadow, I often grow reflective and thoughtful. Boxing’s busyness is welcome, as I’ve written before many of us remember the wilderness years of leisure centres and the WBF, but as with all things in society these days, there is barely time to pause for breath. Continue reading “Fighters, like all of our heroes, are just people” →

October 11, 2017 0

Sexton wins British title in rough and ready brawl

Norwich’s Sam Sexton cut an emotional figure on the ring apron tonight, following a rough and tumble contest with Scotland’s Gary Cornish. It was a triumph built on will, self belief and old-school ring nous. Sexton overcame a giant opponent, thistles, blood, knees and wayward heads to win the British Heavyweight title for the first time and open up a host of lucrative opportunities in the months ahead. Continue reading “Sexton wins British title in rough and ready brawl” →

October 6, 2017 0

Boxing: Derry Across the Mercy; Mathews stops Crolla- Round by Round Report

Derry Mathews won the famous British Lightweight title tonight, stopping Anthony Crolla with just 4 seconds of the 6th round remaining. Referee John Keane jumping to the champion’s aide. Crolla felt the stoppage premature and with so little time until the round end and in the context of a championship fight I have some sympathy, but Mathews twice had his foe in trouble and on the canvas once too. I for one, would relish the prospect of watching a rematch. You will find hastily typed round by round coverage below.

Live, round by round coverage of the classic Lightweight clash between British champion Anthony Crolla and challenger Derry Matthews. Keep clicking refresh for round updates. Continue reading “Boxing: Derry Across the Mercy; Mathews stops Crolla- Round by Round Report” →

April 21, 2012 0

Smith v Quigley as it happens: Live

Genuine electricity in the air as fellow Liverpudlians clash for the British Super Middleweight title, thankfully officiated by Richie Davies – the most respected referee in the country. Each time these two have met in the build up to this fight, sparks have flown. It could be about who holds their composure in the red-hot arena of the Echo arena. If it does, Smith holds the greater experience. Continue reading “Smith v Quigley as it happens: Live” →

October 30, 2009 2

Archive: Knowing You’re Born: A Boxer’s Tale

Alan Bosworth socks Junior Witter with a right hand

TSS Archive: 18/01/2007

It is a worn analogy to compare boxers with hookers, but for those fighters who eek out a career well beneath the remuneration and spotlight of the bill toppers the cliche undoubtedly has some resonance.

Former British title challenger Alan Bosworth is one such heart on his sleeve puncher who walked away from the sport he’s loved and loathed in equal measure for most of his life. He did so with precious little to show for the sacrifices he’s made to compete. Behind the warmth he extended to me in his home in 2007, lay a bitterness for those who’ve influenced his career directly, and indirectly, and a forgiveable avarice for the opportunity and protection afforded to the sport’s young prospects. It is already more than a year since one of boxing’s grittiest performers retired.

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