Scottish boxing monthly review, April 2022
Professional boxing returned to Dundee with a bang on Saturday 30 April as Paul Kean blasted out opponent Sulaimon Olagbade to win the IBO Continental title. Olagbade travelled to Scotland with seven knockouts from his nine victories, but was no match for the Dundonian, who looked in the shape of his career following an extensive training camp in Spain. Kean dropped the Nigerian in the second round with a powerful right hook, straight left combination from the southpaw stance, badly dazing him, and ended the contest moments later with a barrage of punches. There were joyous scenes as Kean added the IBO strap to his Scottish and BUI Celtic titles in front of hundreds of supporters at the Caird Hall. Still under 30 and improving with each performance, there should be plenty of opportunities for Kean to add to his growing collection.
Jamie Wilson stepped through the ropes for the first time since his unsuccessful 2018 British title challenge against Kash Farooq. There were doubts that we’d ever see Wilson back in the sport, at least not fighting, but thankfully the popular bantamweight marked his comeback with a convincing points win over journeyman Stephen Jackson, securing some valuable rounds as he plots another assault on the division. Ryan Gall moved to 5-1 with a four round victory over Gary McGuire, and there was joy and relief as Hadyn Hill bounced back from a debut defeat in October to beat Jake Osgood in front of the home crowd. Eric Donovan, brother of the highly touted Paddy, is becoming a regular fixture in the Scottish boxing scene after signing with Northern Sporting Club, and he looks to have considerable potential in his own right. Donovan offered glimpses of quality as he defeated Vladimir Fleischhauer to move to 4-0.
The Scottish boxing fraternity gathered in Glasgow on Thursday 28 April to celebrate the career of Kash Farooq, which prematurely ended on medical grounds earlier this year. Farooq, one of the most gifted Scottish fighters of his generation, shared memorable stories and received praise from distinguished guests on the night, confirming the high esteem in which he’s held in boxing. But there was the most cruel reminder of the sport’s dangers later in the evening as a fighter was taken to hospital. Grant Quigley made his first appearance in five and a half years against an ambitious and well conditioned Luis Palmer. It was a hotly contested bout with both men giving a strong account of their abilities until Quigley ended the fight with a heavy knockdown. Robert Smith, head of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), confirmed that Palmer remains in hospital receiving treatment. A sobering example of boxing’s contradictions: at once beautiful and barbaric; life enhancing and shattering; a source of entertainment for the public but the highest of risks for competitors. Our thoughts are firmly with Palmer, his family, and indeed Quigley, during this difficult time, and wish Palmer a full recovery.
Lekan Obiora moved to 2-0 after a 40-36 points win over former Scottish champion Marek Laskowski, and Martin Crossan advanced to 4-0 by outpointing the experienced Michael Mooney, dropping him in the second.
2022 has witnessed the growth of Scottish boxing shows beyond the traditional boundaries of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and SM Promotions proudly welcomed the arrival of Nathan Levers to the professional ranks in Glenrothes, Fife on Friday 8 April. The experienced amateur and former Eastern District champion showed promise, and good composure for a debut, as he dominated Reece Barlow over four rounds in the cruiserweight division. Levers is already scheduled to be out again in June, which is an encouraging sign for his development. Calum Turnbull, the 22 year old bantamweight, improved his record to 2-0 against Luke Merrifield, and honorary Scot, Efty Kathopouli, followed up her recent draw with former GB star Ebonie Jones with a victory over Karina Szmalenberg, proving that she remains dangerous even at 40.
Ben McGivern was competing in unlicensed bouts a few short years ago. There were whispers that he had been a talented amateur and was gifted with natural ability. However, he came to the ring at times in poor condition, winning some, losing some, performing well below the standard what he was capable of, as years of inactivity and distraction smothered his potential. What a waste, I thought, after one lacklustre performance in 2017: so much potential thrown away with little chance of recovering it as he approached 30. It was mightily impressive, then, to see McGivern move to 3-0-1 on 1 April at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow as a BBBoC fighter. McGivern dominated Kristaps Zulgis over six rounds. The Coatbridge man has spent the last few years getting in shape, turning professional, and fully committing to the sport. In his short career, McGivern has beaten an undefeated fellow Scot, travelled down south as an away fight to earn a draw (which often means a deserved victory), and fought and won at a stadium event. An unimaginable turn around in which he can proud. Who knows where McGivern can go, given his age and years away from the sport, but it’ll be an exciting journey. A skilful fighter who looks like he’s truly enjoying his time in the sport, embracing any opportunities, without the time or need for meaningless fights. It’s a story to keep an eye on.
Elsewhere on the night: Gary Ducie moved to 3-0 against Scott McCormack; Ian O’Connor beat CJ Wood to improve to 2-1-1; and Robbie Graham had a successful debut against Gary McGuire.
Photograph from Caird Hall by @Breh2D2
