Review - Fighting Chance Promotions: Genesis

Fighting Chance made their promoting debut on Saturday night with Gateshead Leisure Centre the venue for the aptly named “Genesis” show. Much has been made about their deal with Made TV and rightly so. This is just the sort of partnership that could provide a great national platform for some of the region’s top prospects.

Lonsdale belt holder and long-time North East favourite, Jon-Lewis Dickinson, took centre stage in his comeback bout against former Czech champion Jiri Svacina. Svacina proved an awkward target, often leaning back over the ropes to avoid clean contact, however Dickinson boxed really well and listened to the advice from his corner throughout the six-rounder to ensure a 60-54 victory. In our live updates we described his performance as “mature” and he certainly maintained his composure to win comfortably.

At the other end of the scale, Mark “Dynamite” White opened the show with a dominating points win over Phil Hervey (0-4) scoring two knockdowns and taking all four rounds on the referee’s scorecard. His performance set the tone for an impressive evening for the home fighters.

Danny Wall (2-0) and TK Jone (3-0) followed a similar pattern in their respective matchups to extend their unbeaten records. Jone packed more action into his encounter, looking to land the knockout blow with almost every shot he threw. This lead to him slowing towards the end of the four round encounter but the result was never in doubt. His durable opponent, Remigijus Ziausys, was left battered and bloody but rode out the storm to go the distance. Middleweight Wall, also won comfortably leaving his opponent with a bloody nose but a clash of styles meant this one was a scrappy affair. Londoner Terry George did what he could to halt Wall’s momentum but never provided enough to ever threaten the Tyneside man.

Newcastle Super-Welterweight Basi Razaq (5-1-1) bounced back from his first career defeat to claim a 40-36 over Ian Henry (1-1). Razaq was made to work hard throughout the contest but appeared to show a lot of discipline in his boxing, something that will no doubt hold him in good stead in what is definitely a bright future.

And speaking of bright futures, debutant Jamie “Boom Boom” Jones could have the brightest of the lot. The former MMA fighter adapted seamlessly to the pro ranks taking every round against Aaron Robinson in a Middleweight contest. Jones pushed the action throughout and landed almost at will, especially with his jab and looked to pack some power when he maintained his distance. Despite being the shorter fighter, “Boom Boom” feinted well and thoroughly deserved the rapturous ovation he received.

Arguably the most impressive reception however was for Frank Warren fighter Josh Leather who advanced to 9-0 with 3 stoppages. While he was never in danger, the first round between him and Pal Olah in their Super-Lightweight clash was possibly the most competitive of the evening. Olah didn’t appear overawed by his high calibre opponent but that proved to be his downfall. Leather boxed well against a game opponent and took advantage of his ambition with a stunning combination which left him on his back right at the end of the first round. Despite making it back to his corner, the writing was on the wall. Leather maintained his composure during the interval and unloaded vicious shots leading to a stoppage victory 25 seconds into round number two.

Having attended press conferences, open workouts, weigh-ins and now boxing shows hosted by Fighting Chance Promotions, one element stands out above all others. Professionalism. Lewis Pendleton and co clearly have lofty ambitions and there is no reason they won’t achieve them. As North East boxing fans, it is great to see so many prospects having the opportunities to showcase their skills, and that goes for all the local shows we have attended this year. The competition is fierce but there is also a willingness to collaborate which can only help the area fulfil its massive potential.