THE RESULT: Just over five years since his first and only British title attempt Reece Bellotti won a Lonsdale belt at the second time of asking by beating Liam Dillon. Bellotti won a unanimous decision (117-111, 117-112, 116-112) to take Dillon’s title and become the new British super-featherweight champion while retaining his Commonwealth belt in the process.
KEY MOMENTS: The opening round looked like it would set the tone as both men engaged up close. Bellotti’s work was cleaner throughout, however. In the sixth Dillon looked troubled by a burst of body shots from his 33-year-old opponent. The Bellotti uppercut was a consistent problem for Dillon and in round nine the champion staggered back slightly.
RECORDS: Bellotti now moves to 18-5 (14). Tasting defeat for the first time moves Dillon to 13-1-1 (3).
TALKING POINT: The younger and fresher Dillon, who looked tight at the weight yesterday, struggled to match Bellotti in most departments. His work-rate couldn’t be faulted but Bellotti’s work was far more accurate and cleaner. Dillon’s jab, however, landed frequently but it wasn’t used enough as a way to gain a footing during the 12 rounds.
QUOTABLE: “I’ve always wanted the British title and now I’ve won it,” Bellotti said afterwards who added he wanted to prove to his little boy he wasn’t a loser. “What a war,” he continued. “The only difference between me and Dillon was I landed the cleaner shots. There’s not a tougher man in the sport than Liam. He took some massive uppercuts in there. I’ll have a crack at the European now, defend the British.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Despite winning the British Bellotti may look to move up to European level as he alluded to in the post-fight interview. Dillon still has enough time to recover and make his way back.
