HayeDay Review - Undercard
- britishboxingblog
- Jan 18, 2016
- 5 min read
For the majority of British boxing fans, Saturday was all about one thing and one thing only; the return of the Hayemaker, David Haye.
Even Dave, the terrestrial tv channel that was showing Haye’s first fight in three and a half years, had made the decision that the main event was the only fight worth showing live to its viewers, thus giving a reported three million viewers less than 3 minutes of boxing viewing on Saturday night. However for us hardy souls in the press box, and those in the O2 who wanted to receive a bit more boxing value for money for their ticket prices, there was in fact an undercard. An undercard, that in some quarters had been, and in this reporters view quite unfairly, much maligned in recent weeks. The withdrawal of Billy Dib, and the cancellation of the John O’Donnell and Shane Singleton British title eliminator and the fallout that followed it on social media had left a sour taste in many people’s mouths in the boxing community.
However praise has to be given to Steve Goodwin, the chief of Goodwin Boxing promotions and Kevin Campion his right hand man, for putting together a good quality undercard at relatively short notice. Their boxers thrived on the big stage, showing they were by no means overawed by the glamorous venue and occasion. A long way from York Hall it may be, but this may not be the last time we see some of these talented young fighters at the O2.
First up on the night was Wadi Camacho, who continued his boxing rehabilitation since signing with Goodwin Boxing with a straight forward points win against Czech journeyman Jindrich Velecky over six rounds. Camacho was in control of the fight from the first bell and showed his superior class throughout the six rounds, dominating his tough, but limited opponent from start to finish. There were times during the fight when the stoppage looked imminent, such as the end of the second round when Camacho backed Velecky up against the ropes with a flurry of punches. However, as the fight went on, the more you sensed that Camacho was happy to let his boxing do the talking and not take any unnecessary risks, which has proven to be his downfall in the past. Wadi looked in impressive shape and easily chalked up a one sided points decision of 60-54. He will now box for the Southern Area title on February 27th.
The undercard action continued almost immediately, with another Goodwin prospect taking the ring. It was now Jose Lopes’ time to impress, and boy did he impress. If any of the fans in attendance had nipped out for a quick drink after the Camacho fight then there’s a good chance they would’ve missed the action.
Lopes started like a steam train, immediately taking the fight to the shell shocked Yorkshireman, Darren Snow. 35 seconds was all it took as the impressive Lopes dismantled his opponent with a beautiful left hook to the temple. Snow was unable to recover and the fight was waved off, Lopes extending his unbeaten record to 6-0. The tone had been set; first round finishes quickly became the theme of the night.
Lopes now has 3 stoppage victories from 6 pro wins
Jose Lopes cuts an imposing figure at Cruiserweight and will be a threat in the domestic division in the coming years and months. We caught up with him after the fight, and despite being a thoroughly pleasant young chap, there is a clear determination in him to be the best and fight anyone that is put infront of him. One to watch for sure.
Next up was another fighter who is continuing to rebuild his career, the scouse warrior, Tony Dodson.
Dodson, now operating at light heavyweight took on the tough Richard Horton from Essex in a six round contest. The first round was a scrappy one, with both fighters showing each other plenty of respect. If the first was dull then the second was anything but. Dodson clearly upped his work rate and was the busier of the two fighters. This busy approach paid off and Dodson sent his opponent to the canvas right at the end of the round by a right to the head. To his credit, Horton was up at 8 and the bell to end the round immediately rang.
The fight took another twist during the third, as a nasty looking cut appeared over the left eye of Dodson. The cut was checked a couple of times during the remainder of the fight by the doctor but Dodson was allowed to box on. Dodson, who after the fight revealed to us that he also may have broken his hand during the contest, was always in control of the fight despite being visibly hampered by the nasty looking gash. Richard Horton was a game opponent who put up a great effort, but the 59-56 scorecard was impossible to argue with, especially with the second round knockdown being taken into account. Dodson, now aged 35 proved that he was still as tough as ever.
Another young Goodwin Boxing prospect who certainly took his chance to impress with both hands, was Super Lightweight sensation, Kay Prospere. Prospere, up against the usually durable Lee Connelly, started at a frenetic pace and pummelled Connelly early on with a barrage of shots, sending him to the canvas. Connelly beat the count but wouldn’t be up for long.
Having clearly hurt his man, Prospere grasped his opportunity and took out Connelly once and for all with some lethal punching. We’ve watched Connelly a lot over the years, against some good kids from the North East as well as top prospects such as Luke Campbell and we haven’t seen anyone dismantle him like Prospere did here. Prospere, like his stablemate Lopes, did his burgeoning reputation no harm at all with a stunning display on the biggest stage. On this showing he’s definitely one to keep an eye on in future.
One final fight was to take place before the main event, in which Folkestone’s explosive young Super Bantamweight prospect Josh Kennedy defeated durable Rafael Elemir over six rounds. Kennedy was impressive throughout and was clearly a level above his opponent. The 60-54 scorecard was thoroughly deserved as Kennedy ran rings round his opponent. Going the distance for the first time
in his fledgling career will do Josh no harm at all, and the night that he was the main support to David Haye at the O2 will surely live long in his memory.
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