LAST night’s Matchroom show at the Nottingham Arena, England, saw an emphatic stoppage, a classy display of pure boxing and, most of all, a truly remarkable come-from-behind victory.
And so, in the wake of three vastly different encounters involving Dalton Smith, Ellie Scotney and Conah Walker, Boxing News brings you five things we learned from the action-packed card.
Conah Walker’s fairy-tale story just keeps getting better
Where better to start than one of the most awe-inspiring finishes to a contest in recent memory?
As expected, crafty operator Harry Scarff kept the fight long, preventing Walker, 15-3-1 (6 KOs), from entering the pocket through large spells of their clash.
But then, just as the champion was within touching distance of a wide victory on points, Walker produced a stunning 11th-round stoppage to claim the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles.
Not only did his sensational performance captivate the fans, but the 29-year-old’s post-fight interview – a show of raw passion and emotion – reminded us of why boxing is, quite simply, a sport like no other.
Ellie Scotney could become undisputed at super-bantamweight
By overcoming an early head clash, Scotney, 10-0 (0 KOs), proved her mettle against Mea Motu, one of the top operators at 122 lbs.
In doing so, the skilful technician utilised her quick feet to produce another comprehensive performance through ten rounds, retaining her IBF and WBO titles.
Elsewhere in her division is Yamileth Mercado and Nazarena Romero – two formidable champions.
And yet, when considering Scotney’s pulsating in-and-out movement, it would be foolish to bet against her in a potential undisputed showdown.
Skye Nicolson vs Ellie Scotney is the fight to make
In her post-fight interview, Scotney mentioned that, while she remains focused on becoming undisputed at super-bantamweight, there are several mouth-watering matchups that could be made at 126 lbs.
One of which, she said, is a possible dustup with WBC titlist Skye Nicolson.
Now this has potential to be one of the most intriguing spectacles in the women’s code, with two well-schooled movers battling it out in what can only deliver a methodical but nonetheless compelling chess match.
And surely, with both fighters belonging to the Matchroom Boxing stable, there is nothing to prevent their fight from taking place.
Dalton Smith is a problem at super-lightweight
In many ways, Smith, 17-0 (13 KOs), did what any talented fighter should against a more limited opponent: make a statement.
Such a destructive performance, after all, can only propel him closer towards a world title shot which, based on his blistering first-round stoppage victory over Walid Ouizza, should be the obvious next step.
Regardless of his next outing, Smith proved, once again, that his physical prowess represents a problem for any fighter at 140 lbs.
Dalton Smith is ready for the winner of Alberto Puello vs Sandor Martin
Immediately after his one-sided display, Smith expressed his desire to challenge for the WBC super-lightweight title.
The 27-year-old is placed number two in the sanctioning body’s rankings, putting him in a strong position to take on the winner of Alberto Puello vs Sandor Martin.
WBC titlist Puello will put his green and gold trinket on the line against the slick Spaniard on March 1, with Devin Haney – the WBC ‘champion in recess’ – seemingly looking to campaign at 147 lbs instead.
Puello and Martin, meanwhile, represent two tricky but winnable fights for Smith, who could reach world honours by the end of this year.
