IN a display of consummate patience and control, Tyson Fury had the courage to go on the offensive, behind a ramrod jab, against arguably the biggest puncher on the planet. Deontay Wilder fought with valour but suffered a sustained beating and became an old man in the ring. This showed that Fury’s contentious decision to replace trainer Ben Davison with SugarHill Steward was vindicated. After the American was smacked in the ear, and dropped, in the third round, the fight was effectively over.
Deontay’s spindly legs were gone, he looked a beaten man, and one was concerned for his health. By the seventh round, a stoppage was no surprise. It was concussive. It was conclusive. A textbook performance. Fury gave a masterful exhibition of ring craft, and his post-fight rendition of American Pie proved that he is an all-round entertainer, worthy of Las Vegas at its best. The man is box office gold. Armed with the WBC belt, Tyson will now want to complete the set and take Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO versions of the title, to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Gavin Littaur
REST IN PEACE
FORMER IBF super-lightweight champion Terry Marsh, alongside ex-Navy titlists Colin Day, Karl Jones and Davey Robb, wearing their coveted green berets, helped ferry brother marine Andy Gill on his last journey at the Easthampstead Park Crematorium in Bracknell. Led by RN/RM EBA Secretary Paul Kelly and Chairman Tony Bevel, stars from the halcyon days of navy pugilism were amongst the standing room only crowd. England Commonwealth Games ‘78 team captain Kelly was ABA light-welter champ in ‘74 and Bevel a former RNBA head coach. Other association members attending were Vic Christopher, Mick Garrity, Roy Greenacre, Les Harris, Phil King, Mervyn Lescott, Gordon McBride, Vince Moore, John O’Driscoll, Alan Price and George Walsh. Andy’s colleagues and friends from the prison service were also in attendance as were representatives from the local charities Andy supported, most prominently the Woking Street Angels organisation. The Angels work amongst the less fortunate of the area’s citizens. Andy was awarded Bisley’s Citizen of the Year accolade in 2012. Touching emotional tributes were paid by Andy’s children. Andy is of course the elder brother of Southampton Golden Ring supremo Stuart Gill. This outstanding athlete and humanitarian will be much missed by his enormous circle of friends.
Malcolm Meredith
