By Ben Carey
Oakey-Spartacus undercard highlights
A slimline Mickey Steeds had to climb off the floor in round two to outpoint the crude but dangerous John Anthony over six rounds on his cruiserweight debut. Ken Curtis’s 59-55 scorecard looked far too wide but watching from television I only witnessed rounds 2, 3, 5 and 6.
Mickey, who lasted the distance with Scott Gammer in a failed British heavyweight title challenge last time out, was almost unrecognizable at 14st 9lbs and sporting a full head of hair. He began confidently, forcing Anthony to crouch low to avoid being nailed by a succession of right hands. But like a wounded tiger, the heavy-handed Anthony possesses the power to turn a fight in an instant. And when a left hook put Steeds in a daze and a socking right hand dumped the Isle of Dogs man in a neutral corner, a shock looked possible.
Steeds rose quickly from what was a heavy knockdown and made it to the bell without further alarm. Anthony began the third on the offensive and was catching Steeds with far too many right hands for comfort. John became right hand happy though and eventually Steeds managed to stay clear of his telegraphed and predictable attacks as the round progressed. As they entered the fifth, Steeds’ superior fitness saw him take over as the muscle-bound Anthony began to blow hard. Body shots from Steeds left Anthony looking increasingly weary who after a fine opening to the contest was starting to unravel.
Based on the action I had seen, the outcome still appeared to be in the balance as the fighters prepared to come out for the final session. Steeds probably did enough to edge it after doubling up impressively with left hooks to body and head. Anthony was always a threat though and nailed Steeds with a left hook of his own to remind Mickey that he wasn’t home and dry.
Despite earning a flattering points win Steeds’ cruiserweight bow was anything but plain sailing. But at 23, and with only two previous points losses to Scott Gammer blotting his 12-fight record, he has time to settle into his new division.
Double Disappointment for Haymer
English light-heavyweight champion Peter Haymer may be stripped of his title following his unexpected eight-round points defeat to seven-fight novice Paul David. Referee Ken Curtis held his nerve and adjudged David to be a 78-76 winner prompting a disgusted Haymer to storm out of the ring. He could have no complaints though. Haymer simply never got to grips with the typical Ingle switch-hitter who handed him a boxing lesson.
Lead right hands and follow-up lefts nailed Haymer flush as he recklessly waded forward behind a lapse defence leaving him embarrassingly off balance at times. As the fight wore on an increasingly desperate Haymer went for broke but there was little method behind his wild swings which only connected with fresh air. Not once did Haymer, the taller man by several inches, look to establish his jab and mount his attacks from there. David was enjoying himself so much that he even had time to perform an Ali shuffle at the end of the fifth.
Paul did tire in the later rounds and Haymer’s untidy but persistent work brought him back into contention however the cleaner, more eyecatching blows were landed by David who showed lightening handspeed throughout. Two consecutive right hands caught Haymer by surprise which left him on unsteady legs in the seventh, and a tremendous attack consisting of lefts and rights again had the English man disorientated in the eighth.
David may be a work in progress but looks a genuine talent when he lets his hands go. He has been matched tough throughout his young career to date, but with some TLC may develop into the dark horse of the domestic light-heavyweight ranks. He improves to 5-3 and is one to keep an eye on.
It remains to be seen what the repercussions will be for Haymer. Originally due to defend his English crown against Steve Spartacus in a rematch on this bill, the Board may now decide to strip him following this unexpected loss, his second in succession after he was destroyed by Ovill McKenzie for the vacant Commonwealth title last September. Alternatively, an immediate rematch between Haymer and David may be ordered, this time with the English title on the line.
