Search for
Search for
Search forO'Connor survives fright night to claim victory
Monday, November 17, 2008, 07:00
It was O'Connor's fourth victory from six contests since he joined the paid ranks two years ago.
Referee Reece Carter scored the bout 58 to O'Connor and 57 to Riyaz, but even the most partisan Plymothian would have settled for a draw.
O'Connor, who had blasted his way to an emphatic points win over Carl Griffiths in June at the Guildhall, had to summon up all his courage against Riyaz.
Reading's Riyaz, who had every right to feel aggrieved at losing his third pro fight to the popular Plymothian, was by far the most effective boxer in the first half of the highly-entertaining contest.
He was also bigger, weighing in at 9stone 11lbs to O'Connor's 9stone 7lbs, and Riyaz rattled the 24-year-old's temple with accurate left leads to go into the fourth round ahead.
But what you see is what you get with O'Connor, who began to rock Riyaz with combinations in the fourth and his fans sensed he might just rescue the situation.
Carrying on where he left off in the previous round, O'Connor hustled and harried to set up a grandstand finish in the final two minutes.
However, Riyaz, while not scoring with his earlier regularity, looked to have done enough to at least share the spoils. It would be a massive understatement to say O'Connor was relieved afterwards and Riyaz disappointed.
Gavin Brook is still searching for his first pro win after suffering a first-round stoppage to Geraint Harvey on his home debut on Saturday.
Plymouth's Brook had looked apprehensive at the start of his fourth paid contest and was given an eight count before a big right hook from Harvey prompted referee Grant Wallis to step in after one minute 25 seconds.
The 23-year-old Brook was clearly stunned by the outcome but left the ring to a sympathetic applause.
Harvey, from Pontypridd, had fought in Plymouth before, at the Pavilions where he lost on points to Johnny Harrison in 2004.
Brook, said his Cosmo Gym trainer Glyn Mitchell, did not do himself justice but is determined to recover from his setback.
"His pride's hurt as much as anything else," said Mitchell. "It's one of those things that all fighters dread happening, but like I said to Gavin, all pro boxers will hurt you. But he's a good and talented kid – he'll be back to wipe out the memory of this defeat."
Ben Wakeham produced a polished performance to score his third pro victory at the expense of game Londoner Johnny Greaves.
The Torquay welterweight did not miss a beat throughout the one-sided contest and deservedly added a 60-54 points win to his unbeaten career start.
Southpaw Greaves was unable to counter Wakeham's left leads and combinations, which began in the first round and continued practically unhindered throughout.
Wakeham, whose fights so far have all been at the Guildhall, was never troubled by the East Ender, apart from the occasional cautionary left.
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
High-quality, low-cost self-install uPVC vertical sliding sash windows. Manufactured to your specifications and delivered to you in super quick time. Check out our prices.
www.newspaceconservatories.co.uk
Looking to buy a DIY conservatory? Master Plastics offer flat packed DIY conservatories built to your design for delivery to both DIY and trade users anywhere in the UK.
Comment on this story