Luton’s Linus Udofia wins English middleweight title for a second time
31 year old “Lightning” Linus Udofia put up the best performance of his illustrious career in becoming a two time English Champion with a 10 round stoppage of the highly touted “Dangerous” Dan Catlin” whilst Piotr Mirga became two weight Southern Area Champion with a points victory over Ben Lilley to become Bantamweight Champion.
In an exciting night at York Hall Udofia proved he can be a force at the very top of the Middleweight division with a dominant display against Catlin. Linus moved to 20-2 with only two defeats against Denzel Bentley (split decision for the British title) and an unfortunate injury loss to Kieran Conway (Eye closed by a freak punch instantaneously when cards were levelish after 6).
All Middleweights were put on notice as Catlin came out eager to try to land a knockout blow (being a devastating puncher). Udofia moved out of range to outbox Catlin to win the first round. The second was much closer before Udofia took charge winning the third before dropping Catlin with a big punch in round four. Udofia took control with exemplary boxing skills picking Catlin off regularly and forcefully and only perhaps round 8 could be given to Catlin. Round 10 coach Terry Steward told Udofia to finish the job off. Linus then caught Catlin with a great combination with a finishing punch dropping Catlin once again. The follow up flurry forced ref Darren Sarginson to step in to save Catlin.
Udofia will now be looking upwards towards the top of the division. Stablemate Brad Pauls holds the British title but this title is certainly something for Linus to aim for in the short/medium term once Brad moves on.
Chief support saw Piotr Mirga come back to winning ways with a comprehensive 98-92 scorecard victory over Ben Lilley to win the Southern Area Bantamweight title. Mirga had previously held the Super-Bantamweight version but after unsuccessful forays Ramez Mahmood (Commonwealth Silver) and Nico Leivers (English Final Eliminator), Mirga decided to drop a weight. Feeling stronger at the weight Mirga put in a solid performance. Lilley was always competitive and rounds were close but Mirga was certainly a worthy winner. Lilley can come again.
Elsewhere on the card in a battle of the undefeated at Welterweight Shocki Khan (7-0) put on an excellent display dropping Manoj Kumar (3-0) en route to a comprehensive 60-53 points win. Khan is looking for a big fight in December.
Jiyan Oguz (trained by Josh Burnham) returned to winning ways and moved to 3-1 with a victory over Luke Fash over 6 rounds. Oguz dropped Fash en-route to a 60-53 points victory.
The Alec Wilkey trained Dean Gardner moved down to Super-Lightweight running out a comprehensive 60-54 winner over Christian Lopes-Flores. Gardner will certainly be looking for a title shot.
Alfie Shrubb (trained by Chris Davies) won every round in defeating Dale Arrowsmith over 4. Shrubb in only his second fight obviously has a lot to learn and will move down in weight for his next fight. Alfie will be brought along at the right pace.
Louis Haynes (trained by Archie Dublin) moved to 3-0 with an excellent display against Lee Hallett. Haynes at times belied his inexperience finding some great shots and is certainly one for the future.
Two well supported debutants competed the card. Ed Harradine belied his 36 years with an excellent performance against Harry Matthews winning every round. Harradine hurt Matthews badly in the last round and showed that he can do very well over the next few years. Shaun Simpson opened his account with a 40-36 win over Jordan Grannum in the Middleweight division.
An enjoyable night had by all and two history makers made it a great night of boxing.
