THE Radisson Blu Hotel hosted show number 364 for the St Andrews Sporting club, with Shotts bantamweight Scott Allan facing Marc “Livewire” Leach in a 10-round eliminator for the British title.
As expected, both men gave it everything in an absorbing contest. Salford’s Leach looked classy and composed from the opening bell his style was conserving energy. He was also sharper to the punch, as was evident in the second round when he dropped Allan. Leach caused further damage in the fourth, with Allan now bleeding from the nose.
The ring generalship from Leach was impressive and, in particular, his footwork was excellent at times. Allan did have his moments in the second half of the fight, perhaps realising he was behind on the scorecards, and he gave it his all – but it seemed to be too little too late.
In the end it was a unanimous decision for Leach from judges Mike Alexander at 98-93, John Latham 96-93 and Victor Loughlin 95-94. Referee was Phil Edwards.
Dumbarton’s Celtic champion Martin Harkin toughed it out against the durable Nicaraguan Eligio Palacios in a six-round welterweight clash. Referee Paul O’Connor declared him the clear points winner at -54.
Houston super-middleweight Darren Tarr made a winning albeit nervy start to his professional career in a four-round contest against Gianni Antoh from Cambridge (via Italy). Tarr was awarded the victory 39-38 by referee Kevin McIntyre.
The Verdict Marc Leach looks towards a British title shot.
FULL RESULTS
Marc Leach (117lbs), 14-1-1 (3), w pts 10 Scott Allan (117lbs), 9-5-1; Martin Harkin (147lbs), 11-0 (4), w pts 6 Eligio Palacios (146lbs), 7-46-5; Darren Tarr (171lbs), 1-0, w pts 4 5 Gianni Antoh (179lbs), 1-8.
