Kirsty Hill overcame Vicky Wilkinson to secure the vacant Commonwealth super featherweight title during BCB’s sixth episode of Havoc at the Hangar.
The fight was decided by the judge’s scorecards, with Hill emerging as the unanimous decision winner after ten rounds in Wolverhampton.
Kevin Parker (93-97), Terry O’Connor (93-98), and Phil Edwards (92-98) all favored the Grimsby-born fighter.
Wilkinson began on a reserved note, yet as the fight progressed, she landed significant right punches, gaining some ground during the central rounds. However, Hill’s command in both the initial and concluding rounds, backed by her height and reach benefits, gave her an edge. Throughout the fight, Wilkinson displayed energy and determination but couldn’t disrupt Hill’s distance management.
In another fight, Zach Evans maintained his undefeated professional record, progressing to 3-0 by outscoring the seasoned Paul Cummings.
Evans secured every round as per referee Kevin Parker, wrapping up with a 60-54 victory after six rounds against the 83-fight seasoned Cummings.
Although the 26-year-old had previously knocked out Bulgarian Petar Aleksandrov, Cummings’ resilience prevented another KO. Evans, an emerging super welterweight talent, showcased his skill, landing series of punches with precision.
Training under Mitchell Pearce and Paul Gough, the Droitwich-based boxer represents Priory ABC in Dudley.
Lewis Morris rebounded from his initial career loss, putting an end to Ricky Starkey’s challenge. Previously outscored by Tatenda Mangombe, Morris was determined this time, terminating the fight in the third round against Starkey.
Initially, Morris floored Starkey with a body punch in the second round. Even though an immediate finish wasn’t achieved, Morris’s domination was clear as he repeatedly floored Starkey, prompting intervention by both the corner and the referee.
Switching stances frequently, Morris was overwhelming for the 37-year-old Starkey. Now with a record of 7-1, Morris aims to further establish himself as a top-contender in the featherweight division.
In a surprising turn, Nikola Stoyanov defeated Ashley Pettigrew with a dramatic finish. A powerful left hook from Stoyanov sent Pettigrew to the mat during the second round.
The Wolverhampton audience was taken aback when Stoyanov followed up with a flurry of punches, leaving referee Kevin Parker with no option but to intervene.
Having not faced defeat in his prior three pro fights, Pettigrew found Stoyanov’s challenge too overpowering. The 25-year-old now faces the challenge of recovering from his initial career setback.
Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards is inching closer to title contention after overcoming 114-fight veteran Naeem Ali.
Consistently scoring in each round, Edwards was deemed the 40-36 victor by referee Kevin Parker. Known as ‘The Kundalini King’, Edwards enjoys immense hometown support. With this being his eighth professional bout, the 34-year-old fighter is setting his sights on even tougher opponents.
In another highlight, Jay Griffiths carried forward his promising journey in the professional circuit, outscoring Welshman Steve Davies in a four-round fight in Wolverhampton.
Griffiths, a native of Wombourne, had his hometown cheering as he was declared the 40-36 winner by referee Kevin Parker in just his second pro fight.
The super middleweight talent remains undefeated, having also outscored MJ Hall in his debut. Despite a momentary setback in the first round, Griffiths’ agility and varied punches were undeniable.
Lastly, Gully Powar advanced his record to 6-0, outscoring Cristian Navarez from Nicaragua in a four-round super featherweight fight.
Securing each round, Powar was announced the 40-36 victor amidst a passionate local crowd. His consistent body punches have become a signature, and he showcased that once again.
KNown for his ring entries accompanied by Punjabi drummers, the 21-year-old Powar is an entertainer. Navarez’s agility posed a challenge, yet Powar’s performance was commendable under the guidance of coach Richie Carter.