LEE HASKINS finally won the IBF bantamweight title in the ring on Saturday. The Bristol man would have boxed Randy Caballero for the world title in Las Vegas in November, only to see the American come in way over weight. Lee therefore won the IBF crown without having to box for it.
At the Cardiff Ice Arena on Saturday, Haskins finally fought for the world crown in the ring. He took control of Ivan Morales, brother of Mexican legend Erik Morales, boxing the bout at his own tempo, making sure of a wide, unanimous points win, 119-108 for Alan Davies and 118-110 for both Alex Levin and Howard Foster.
Andrew Selby starred on the undercard, winning the British title in only his fifth professional bout. He outpointed Louis Norman, striding forward, slipping shots and letting fly with fast punches. Norman was typically gutsy, catching Selby out with the odd hefty shot. But he couldn’t stop a landslide victory for Andrew on the scorecards. All three judges ruled it for Selby, 119-110 for Phil Edwards and 120-109 for both Howard Foster and Robert Wiliams.
Craig Kennedy picked himself up off the deck to salvage a split decision, and win the IBF International cruiserweight title, against the large, imposing Joel Tambwe Djeko.
Paddy Gallagher scored a shuddering knockout against Tony Dixon to win the Celtic welterweight title.
Josh Taylor knocked out Miguel Gonzalez with a single jab to win in the first round. Conrad Cummings halted Frankie Borg in six rounds.
Flashy Morgan Jones stopped Richard Harrison, while Nathan Thorley and Mitch Buckland outpointed Mohamed Larabi and Elvis Dube respectively.