WOODHOUSE Park Lifestyle Centre in Wythenshawe hosts an intriguing English cruiserweight title clash between champion Deion Jumah, 12-0 (7), and challenger Sam Hyde, 15-1-1 (8), this Sunday (January 19). The 10-rounder also serves as a final eliminator for the British belt currently held by Richard Riakporhe – the man who, in November 2018, inflicted the only defeat of Hyde’s career so far.
A grotesque swelling by the Sale man’s left eye caused the bout to be called off in the eighth round. At the time of the finish, Hyde, 26, was ahead on all three scorecards.
In contrast to Hyde [below], Jumah’s ‘0’ is still intact. The Hammersmith-born 30-year-old claimed the vacant English crown four months ago with a fifth-frame stoppage of former Commonwealth king Wadi Camacho, who announced his retirement afterwards. Following ABA title wins in 2011 and 2012, Jumah turned pro under the Sauerland banner in 2013, but injury, illness and inactivity stunted his progress. The ripped portsider penned a managerial deal with Steve Goodwin in late 2017 and has boxed four times since – all at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green.
Trained by Joe Gallagher – whose company, M22 Promotions, stage this show – Hyde puts his shots together well and makes good use of his physicality. The Gary Logan-coached Jumah, meanwhile, utilises smart upper-body movement and shoots out southpaw jabs and booming lefts from a crouched stance.
This is a tough one to call, but we edge towards Jumah on points.
