MGM Scotland – Saturday 12th March

Saturday 12th March saw one half of your British Boxing Blog team make the trip back over the border to Edinburgh; Meadowank Sports Centre to be precise, to watch some of Scotland’s best emerging talent continue to find their feet in the ranks of professional boxing.

Having been well looked after in the build up to the action by MGM Scotland promoter/host/DJ/Barman etc. , etc., Sam Kynoch, (he really knows how to look after the punters and runs a highly professional outfit up there) I took my seat at ringside, ready to watch the action unfold.

First up was one of Edinburgh’s own, the big punching Light Heavyweight, Brian Forsyth. Forsyth was taking on Hull’s Andy Neylon in a four round contest, and he came out flying in the first round, setting a fast pace and pinning Neylon back with his high pressure, body punching style. To his credit, the durable Neylon was also willing to fire back in the exchanges but was coming off second best to a hungry Forsyth.

Forsyth’s body punching was there from the off, and it was this strategy that paid off in the third round, as Neylon was twice sent to the canvas, unable to cope with the lethal shots to the body being dished out by the Edinburgh favourite, much to the delight of the home crowd.

To his credit, Andy Neylon made it through to the final bell; however the result was never in doubt, with Brian Forsyth preserving his unbeaten record with a comfortable 40-34 points victory.

The action continued thick and fast, with another local favourite John Thain making his way to the ring to face Bolton’s Chris Jenkinson over four rounds. Despite this being their third encounter, Thain and Jenkinson served up an entertaining contest, both displaying their boxing ability over the course of the fight.

Ultimately though, the superior class of Thain shone through, impressing those in attendance with his quick jab, fast feet and stylish movement. Jenkinson however did play his part, boxing on the counter and was unlucky not to land a big overhand right on a couple of occasions.

Again, the result was never in doubt, with the resurgent John Thain emerging victorious with a 40-36 verdict on the referee’s scorecard.

Another unbeaten Scottish prospect was next in action, with the fighting fishmonger, Tommy Philbin next in to the ring, facing durable journeyman, Mitch Mitchell over four rounds.

Philbin came out of the traps flying, setting a frenetic pace from the outset. Mitchell had no response and was clearly troubled by the onslaught of Philbin, touching the canvas in the opening round. Regaining his composure however, Mitchell beat the count and was up at 8, the bell to end the round saving him from any further punishment,

The second round continued in much the same fashion, Philbin taking the fight to his opponent in his fast paced style, snapping his jab out and targeting the body in repeated flurries. To his credit, Mitchell made himself harder to hit in the third, using his survival instincts to conjure up his best round of the fight. However this wasn’t to last for long, as Philbin found his rhythm again in the final round, sending Mitchell to the floor again with some big punches. Mitchell once again beat the count and made it to the final bell, however the outcome was never in doubt.

Tommy Philbin impressed us last time out in December and impressed us even more on his showing here. We look forward to seeing him in action again in the near future.

It was Tommy Dickson’s turn next, another Scottish prospect making a name for himself with a couple of impressive performances since turning professional.

Dickson was roared on throughout by his legion of Livingston fans, and the traveling support were not left disappointed as their favourite son boxed well to score a 40-36 points verdict over Qasim Hussain.

Dickson’s superior boxing skills were evident from the first bell, demonstrating a smooth, fluent style, causing Hussain problems with his ability to box and move. The high standard set by Dickson didn’t let up and his impressive shot selection shows a talent that is settling in nicely to the paid ranks. It was a stylish boxing performance from the Livi lad, and with travelling fans as loud and vociferous as this, Scottish boxing fans could be in for some fun nights following the progress of this young star.

Cultured super-lightweight, Lewis Benson was next to join the party, taking on Bulgarian Radoslev Mitev, but sadly it wouldn’t be for long.

One round to be precise.

Benson came out and made his mark immediately, showing his class and controlling the first round with his superior boxing ability. In all honestly, Mitev was hopeless. Looking fleshy and limited, it was no surprise to see him fail to emerge off his stool at the start of the second round, signalling a dubious looking hand injury was leaving him in no position to continue. Benson cut a frustrating figure at the end of the bout; however he shouldn’t be too disheartened. This was the second time we have witnessed Benson in the flesh, and the former Commonwealth Games representative really does look like a class act, and with a willingness to step up to more meaningful fights sooner rather than later, we are excited to watch the Benson story continue to unfold.

Last but not least and headlining on the night was another talented unbeaten fighter, Motherwell’s Super Featherweight Stephen Tiffney taking on Plymouth’s Chris Adaway over four rounds.

Fresh from sparring the now unified Super Bantamweight World Champion, Carl Frampton, Tiffney looked a confident figure in the opening round, starting at a fast pace and cutting off the ring nicely, much to the frustration of Adaway.

Tiffney was in control throughout, and being roared on by the travelling Motherwell fans, never looked in danger of letting this fight slip out of his grasp. To his credit however, Adaway was a game opponent and did try and land on Tiffney whenever the opportunity arose.

Tiffney was always in control, pinning his opponent to the ropes and unleashing some powerful looking body shots on more than one occasion.

Referee Victor Laughlin did give Adaway some consolation for his valiant effort, giving him one round of the fight, much to the confusion of some journalists sitting alongside me, resulting in a 39-37 victory for the still unbeaten Tiffney.

There is undoubtedly a talented group of young, hungry, unbeaten fighters currently boxing out of the MGM Scotland stable and under the guidance of Sam Kynoch’s promotional vehicle guaranteeing them regular fights, the future looks bright for both boxers and fight fans alike in Scotland.