David Jamieson pummels Jangirov to win first professional title
18 February, Turnberry, Ayrshire — Cruiserweight prospect David Jamieson wins the IBO International title after a dominant points victory over Samo Jangirov.
The East Kilbride man promised value for money boxing and was eager to deliver from the opening bell, charging towards his Swedish opponent’s chest and unleashing shots. This made for an exciting few rounds as Jamieson pummelled Jangirov to the head and body with such force that even those blocked reverberated and caused damage.
Jangirov was durable, however, and refused to budge. His stubborn will and ability to launch quick flurries of combinations kept him in the contest. Jamieson was guilty of complacency at times as the fight progressed. There is a temptation to switch off and neglect defence when a fighter appears so dominant, leaving them open to unexpected counters from their weaker opponents. This was clear in the sixth as a marauding Jamieson was struck with a barrage of shots, hands down, his head took the impact of half a dozen or so combination punches. A granite chin demonstrated but it could have been troublesome against a more concussive puncher. Perhaps this offered a wake up call as Jamieson made some adjustments, popping out the jab with greater effect in the later rounds, and seeing out a comfortable unanimous decision. It was, overall, impressive; capturing a title within nine fights, dominating a Swedish champion with a similar record, and identifying areas for improvement as an assault on the division looms. Jamieson is now looking to go full-time as a professional and with his ability and commitment you would expect further title fights on the horizon.
There were positives for Kieran Smith who moved to 17-1 after a points win over Gabor Gorbics. Smith looked strong at middleweight, his first time at 160 pounds; the eight rounds will have shaken off any ring rust acquired during ten months inactivity; and questions of confidence arising from his previous contest, a stoppage loss, may have been put to bed with this confident victory. But there’s no doubt it was a frustrating evening. Gorbics was relentlessly negative, demonstrating a sole purpose to survive the contest, so much so that a writing credit for Daniel Bedingfield’s 2001 hit song “Gotta get thru this” would be no surprise. Smith went through his impressive repertoire, stalking and hurling shots to the head and body, but was unable to stop the Hungarian, who covered up better than an investigation into government misconduct. A useful exercise nevertheless for Smith, and on to more exciting things.
You would not have guessed that Michael McGurk had not stepped foot in a professional boxing ring for three and a half years. The Uddingston man, now 13-0, stopped opponent, Jan Balog, in the second round of their scheduled eight. McGurk looked sharp without rushing his work, and was effective in stalking the Czech, cutting off the ring and unleashing spiteful combinations. Balog was dropped with a heavy body shot in the second, looking desperately uncomfortable, he went through the motions to return to his feet and was surprised the referee let the fight continue. No mercy from McGurk, who targeted the soft frame once again, crumpling Balog who writhed in pain and failed to beat the count. McGurk was asked in the post fight interview if he would like another tune up contest, given the length of time out of the ring and lack of rounds on this occasion, to which he emphatically replied - no. Bring on the big domestic clashes and title fights. An impressive and welcomed return.
Jordan Grant improved to 4-1 with a four round points win over the experienced Harry Matthews. The Hamilton man’s power has never been in question. Grant is physically strong with a solid, imposing frame and each shot is thrown with intention. But there have been doubts about Grant’s maturity as he’s looked over eager in his previous contests, charging at opponents and throwing wildly. This was a more composed performance with Grant employing his jab to better effect, and being more considered with his shot selection. Still plenty to work on, the young prospect left his chin in the air after some exchanges and ate a few solid left hooks from Matthews. A balance will have to be struck with the 24 year old - harnessing that energy and fearlessness and giving it a more refined approach without stifling his bullish nature. Already calling for meaningful domestic clashes, it will be an exciting journey for Grant and his vocal supporters.
The promoters and broadcaster learnt a lesson that, even in seemingly meaningless non-title fights, Nathaniel Collins should be near the top of the bill. The Glaswegian was in the evening’s second contest and dazzled against Mexico’s Uriel Lopez. You can rhyme-off the descriptions - impressive measure of distance, variety, shot selection, reflexes, etc. But, at the core, Collins possesses ability and charisma that shines in the ring and on screen. Collins, now 10-0, mesmerised Lopez, a former WBC Latino title holder, stopping him in the second round, four quicker than world champion, Emanuel Navarrete.
Ireland’s Kate Radomska opened the show with a shut-out points victory over Claudia Ferenczi. The Polish-born Radomska dominated the six rounds as she progressed to 2-0 in this useful learning fight.
