Jordan Ellison is heading back on the road next weekend looking for some better luck after suffering the wrong end of the stick last time out.
The have-gumshield-will-travel Co Durham lightweight is to fight Merseyside crowd-favourite Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in Liverpool next Saturday.
Ellison is desperately unfortunate not to be going into the six-round match at the famous Olympia venue on the back of a notable away victory.
The Hartlepool and Horden fighter gave Lance Cooksey all sort of problems in Neath, only for judge Shaun Messer to give the unbeaten Welsh boxer a 60-57 verdict.
Chris Jones refereed the bout at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, but as a trainee ref that means he did not score it. That was left to the experienced Mr Messer and he sided with the 28-year-old, from Rhoose, who collected his eighth straight victory.
To say Gus Robinson Developments head coach, Peter Cope was cross would be an understatement.
“When the announcer gave the result I just said ‘how the hell did they get that score?’ or words to that effect,” Cope told punch-lines. “The lad who reffed it gave me a look as if to say ‘it wasn’t me who scored it’.
“He got ripped off, no question about it.
“I’ve ben in pro boxing for 20 years and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more score.
“60-57? Seriously, how do you get that?
“It’s sickening. All the quality stuff was from Jordan.
“Yes, Cooksey threw a fair bit but a lot either missed or hit Jordan’s arms or gloves.
“I’m not saying it was an easy fight, but there wasn’t a mark on Jordan and Lance’s face was a mess.
“Jordan is such a nice kid, he just took it in his stride and he’ll be out again next Saturday.”
A tougher task awaits at the Olympia.
Dodd is one of Britain’s top lightweights and is a former Commonwealth champion and WBC International title holder, beating a certain Francesco Patera no less.
‘Masher’ will take some beating, despite back-to-back title set-=backs at the hands of Joe Cordina and Tommy Coyle.
“Jordan will give it his all like he always does,” added Cope. “He’ll always give value for money.”
That was Ellison’s 19th defeat, against 10 victories.
Also in action at Llandarcy Academy of Sport was Jordan’s Gus Robinson Developments team-mate, Greg O’Neil.
While Ellison was left frustrated by the points decision it was, unfortunately, an early finish for ‘The Real Deal’.
Facing Maerdy’s Alex Hughes, who was ending a 19-month absence with an eye injury, put O’Neil down with a body shot in the first and the Horden middleweight could not beat Mr Messer’s count.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
