Christmas came early for those in attendance on Saturday night as the two title bouts took the limelight on a lively evening at Rainton Meadows Arena.
Lewis Ritson and Jordan Ellison engaged in a seven round war for the Northern Area lightweight belt, whilst Darren Surtees put on a boxing clinic against Luke Keheler in a International Classic Challenge title bout.
Surtees was fighting for a title in only his 5th professional bout and came into the fight full of confidence following an impressive unanimous decision victory against Marek Laskowski in October, as well as holding a 50% knockout rate in the pro-ranks.
Keheler was the man with the experience however, having had twice as many fights as the Thornily prospect, and although had battled against a number of tough opponents, the Yorkshireman had never been stopped as a professional.
The fight began in frantic fashion with both fighters exchanging from the off; Surtees concentrated on the more precise straight shots, whilst Keheler chose to come out swinging with his chin down.
It was the County Durham man who connected cleanly first, a sharp one-two catching his opponent sweetly and sending him to the canvas. Noticeably wobbled, Keheler made it up on the count of four but with his legs still looking unsteady Surtees immediately pounced.
With a flurry of shots Surtees connected again, this time with a devastating left hook, sending Keheler to the canvas for the second time. The proud Yorkshireman again rose to his feet, and after having a think the referee let the fight continue.
However the contest was all but decided, and after a final wave of powerful punches from Surtees the referee stopped the bout at the 1 minute 29 mark of the first round, with Surtees capping off an impressive 2016 by capturing his first title.
Looking to add to his existing WBC Youth Silver lightweight honour, undefeated Lewis Ritson was aiming to make it 12 wins from 12 bouts against former foe and fellow North East boxer Jordan Ellison in the evenings main event.
In their last encounter Ritson walked away with a points victory, and since then both mens career’s have taken slightly different routes - Tyneside’s Ritson winning every fight since whilst Seahams Ellison has struggled to find consistency as a pro.
It was the Wearside boxer who was coming off the more impressive victory however, with a sterling win against the undefeated Scot Thomas Dickson at the end of October.
The first round saw both fighters exchange straight shots, however it was Ritson who was first to assert his dominance; doubling up his jabs and maintaining a tight guard to take the centre of the ring.
In the opening rounds the undefeated Tynesider continuously marched Ellison to the corner, working up top and unloading to the body with spiteful hooks. Ritsons short uppercut on the inside did noticeable damage to the left eye of Ellison, mixing work in the clinch with long straights at range.
Although struggling with the constant pressure from his opponent, Ellison showed flashes of potential in the opening stanzas. Catching Ritson with a beautifully timed left hook in the 2nd, and dragging his opponent into a brawl in the 3rd, Ellison made sure Ritson wasn't having it all his own way and had the better of the exchanges in the 4th round.
Ellison started the 5th round the aggressor, landing a sharp three-punch combination which Ritson appeared to take in his stride. Although still on the back-foot, the Wearside boxer was the busier of the two and with the momentum being carried into the start of the 6th Ellison looked to be plotting a comeback.
However Ritson had other ideas, and after marching his Ellison into a corner unleashed a lethal body shot which immediately dropped his rival. Although still visibly hurt, Ellison regained his stature ready for the inevitable onslaught from Ritson.
Targeting solely the body on the restart, Ritson appeared to cripple his adversary again however the referee decided not to issue the count. With his corner urging him to initiate the clinch, Ellison survived until the bell.
But Ellison's bravery could only last so long, and with Ritson continuing the constant pressure he had illustrated throughout the fight he again worked the body, this time forcing his opponent to go down and stay down.
After receiving medical attention, Ellison was able to join Ritson in the centre of the ring as the crowd showed their appreciation for a tremendously entertaining fight. Ritson closed the evenings show by raising the Northern Area title, with the expectations firmly on the Forest Hall man to make a statement in 2017.
Other fighters on the card who are hoping for a big year next year included Jay Hughes and Issac Macleod.
Hughes continued a perfect start to his career with a decision win against a tough Youssef Al Hamidi. Utilising his obvious reach advantage Hughes kept his opponent at a distance with straight shots and good footwork, however was unable to break down the tight guard of Al Hamidi who posed little danger to Hughes with sporadic, wayward hooks.
Macleod came up against an entirely different type of foe in Ryan Hardy. Hardy goaded and danced his way around the ring for 6 rounds, and although entertaining for the fans, was picked apart well by a patient Macleod. Making it 7 wins and 0 defeats, the Sunderland boxer will be looking to step up next year and make his move on the domestic scene.
Completing the card at Rainton Meadow Arena were local fighters Gary Fox and Peter Cope.
Fighting for the second time this year was Peter Cope. Up against the much experienced Fonz Alexander fighting in his 50th bout, Cope fought at range and utilised a strong jab throughout.
Being weary not to engage unnecessarily, Cope boxed smart with left right combinations, and appeared to stumble Alexander in the 2nd with a precisely placed hook. After four rounds Cope came away with the points victory and will concentrate on keeping busy next year, with the aim of working his way back up to English title contention.
All in all a good show with two title fights. Something Fighting chance will seek to continue in 2017, more 50/50 fights and more title oppprtunities for North East boxers.
AUTHOR: Declan Bell
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