Belfast round-up
30 May 2011 – Steve Wellings
Luke Wilton is hoping that a third round knockout win over Salim Salimov has now put him into the driving seat for a British title shot.
Wilton has his sights set on the likes of Chris or Paul Edwards, Ashley Sexton and Shinny Bayaar after dismissing Salimov with a body shot. The lanky Bulgarian offered some stubborn resistance up until the finishing left hook to the torso a shot right out of the Ricky Hatton collection. Wiltons latest addition to the backroom team, Brian Magees coach Bernardo Checa, was pleased with Lukes showing.
Im pleased because he followed the instructions that we gave him in the corner, lauded Checa. The opponent was tall so we told him to go to the body. I think another one or two fights and hes there [at British title level].
Wilton was understandably pleased with the stoppage win, Im punching harder and Im still young, just getting used to the weight now and sitting down on my punches. I love the body punching and I used to enjoy watching Ricky Hatton landing those double left hooks to the body.
Stevie Quinn Jnr used his slick skills to inflict the latest defeat on Delroy Spencers record. Del had won two out of his last five fights and gave it a go but Quinns work was classy and he took a 59-55 win.
Gary Hydes prospect Levan Ghvamichava stopped Karoly Lakatos in the first round with a body shot. The Hungarian was struggling with the skills of his Georgian foe, who never left first gear.
Tony Nellins and Dan Carr engaged in warfare for four rounds before the home fighter prevailed 40-36. Both were bleeding from the nose at the end and Carr played his part in a cracking scrap. Mike Tyson fan Nellins is targeting a Northern Ireland Area title shot.
After Ryan Greene withdrew, Gerard Healy came in at short notice for his debut and outpointed Aaron Fox 39-38 after a spirited four round encounter. The bout was initially announced as a draw but later rectified as Healy got off the mark with a win.
Michael Harvey suffered another loss when Radoslav Mitev beat him 40-35 in the evenings first contest. Harvey will go back to the drawing board after failing to get out of the blocks in this one.
