Both Heavyweights were ready to fight from the first bell. “Buzz” Berry took Robinson down but was unable to capitalise. The fighters got back to their feet and exchanged knees in the clinch. The two separated and began trading punches. When two guys of that size and quality start unloading- you know that it’s not going to be a late night. Each landed with impressive uppercuts which would have taken lesser men out. Robinson unleashed a sweet one-two. The left was a peach and the mighty Berry developed foal’s legs. The “Big C” helped him to the canvas, began to pound and it was over.
Light Heavyweight Tournament
Kevin Thompson sent his already enthusiastic fans into meltdown with an impressive win over Ian Rush. Both had taken care of business in the first round of their semis and looked in the mood to get it over with quickly again.
Ian Rush delivered a straight punch. Thompson appeared spark out on his feet. The Rush supporters jumped up to celebrate another decisive win. Amazingly, they were wrong. Thompson managed to stop the Rush rush, lift him and then plant him in a neutral corner with the mother of all slams. The ref gave Rush plenty of opportunity to respond to the wild swings of Thompson’s ground and pound, but he had no answer. The decision sent the Whitehaven contingent crazy and left the Rush fans stunned. Both groups had the same question on their minds. How did he come back from that?
Kevin McAlonan pounded his way to the Featherweight title, defeating Dave "Speedy" Elliot. The fight quickly went to ground with McAlonan on top. Elliot maintained his composure and worked to escape.
Unfortunately for him, the fighter from Northern Ireland was relentlessly pounding him in the head at the time. Kevin McAlonan delivered a masterclass in ground and pound, making every shot count. A succession of steam hammer rights crashed into Elliot’s head. Their dull thud resounded round the hall. He was allowed to take a few too many for my liking before the inevitable stoppage.
Steve Lynch completed a for the Northern Ireland Progressive Combat Club, with a smart first round win over Lewis Barrow.
Neil Wain vs Sunderland Ju-Jitsu’s Rhys Iles was a cock up. You can dress it up, but it was a cock up on an otherwise superbly run show. Briefly - the fight went to the ground in the corner. Iles on his side, “Old School” Wain on top. Neil Wain drops a series of hammer fists to head of Iles. Rhys Iles appears unable to respond. So far, so simple. From my viewpoint, the ref appears to stop the fight in favour of Wain. Iles argues with the decision. After some discussion, the ref orders a restart in the centre of the ring, away from the ropes. The fighters are reset. Wain drops a massive right to the face of Iles. He complains. The ref sends both to neutral corners. Apparently he had not ordered a restart. So far so messy, but it gets worse. For a couple of minutes the ref seemed to be trying to get them to fight. It seems Iles didn’t want to know and who can blame him? He’d taken a lot to the head and had the chance to get out of there with a default victory. You can say a should always want to fight, but you’ve not just taken ten hammer fists to the noggin. Wain looked like he wanted to carry on - and who can blame him? He looked odds on. The sketch ended with the ref consulting promoter Pete McQueen. I’m sure that nothing dodgy was going on, but it looks bad. A referee should make a call and stick to it whatever. A promoter’s job is to sell tickets, pay fighters and book a paramedic, not call fights. The affair came to an end with the honourable actions of Neil Wain. Sensing the wind was blowing against him he theatrically waved his arm in the international signal of ‘F*** this for a lark’ and left the ring. The compere announced a muffled decision no one heard. So that’s, that. Well no. Ten minutes later. Wain was brought back to ring and awarded an amended decision which I didn’t catch either. If anyone can tell me, drop me a mail. On second thoughts - thinking about it is making me lose the will to live.
His scrap with Kurt Warburton was the fight of the night. Pearson took a couple of perfect knees to the ribs before a stirring ground battle began. The war continued in round two when a giant slam left Warburton in a spot. He put up a spirited defence until Pearson got him in a tight armbar.
Briggs wanted nothing of the ground game. Everytime he even bent his knee his corner yelled at him to get back and let it stand up. The result? He got his Tom Bradwellin a sweet arm bar and tapped him. Tactical rethink needed perhaps.
A very tidy performance. Great slams, nice defence, a crowd pleasing knee shuffle to his own corner, all topped off with a nice rear naked. What’s not to like? I may be being a little picky, but he looks so bored in the ring. Being relaxed is a big plus, but he looks so detached at times it’s unnerving. As Coultas drops down hammer fists, his face has the intensity of a commuter deciding whether to listen to Coldplay or Keane on his Ipod. Chilling.
The youngster showed a lot of promise. On the ground he just too cute and his transitions were like lightning. Finished the game Andy Davis with a rear naked choke in round two.
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