Let’s get ready to rumble. Again.
Trainer Neil Fannan is proposing a re-run of the Northern Area lightweight championship derby between Nathan Forrest and Kai Richmond, saying there is “unfinished business” between the Co Durham neighbours.
That call in punch-lines comes even though the first meeting had a decisive finish in favour of his boxer at Rainton Arena.
Unbeaten Forrest inflicted a third-round stoppage on Spennymoor’s ‘Cobra’ but Fannan feels there is an element of “unfinished business” and believes Jobes Boxing would promote it again.
“Nathan won the title, and I was over the moon for him,” said the coach.
“I think a return would be a good fight for him next and you could alrgue the same for Kai.
“Kai out-boxed him in the first, out-fought him in the second and then got clipped in the third.
“He might be able to do better next time. Nathan will hopefully do better next time.
“Nathan won the championship, but I think it’s unfinished business, so to me it’s a good little return.”
Twins Gym talent Richmond began smartly and had the better of the opener thanks to some sharp left hooks and look good in the second round too.
But how it changed in round three.
Forrest hurt Richmond with a left hook to the body and strong right to the head. Realising he had got through, Nathan launched everything at his rival.
Richmond took further head shots and was able to grab hold briefly, but when Nathan let his hands go again, Kai took several more punches prompting referee Ron Kearney’s stoppage on 53 seconds.
“I’m so pleased for Nathan,” said Fannan. “That’s the first thing he’s won, either in the amateurs or the pros.
“He’s only been a professional for 18 months and that was just his seventh fight – I’m buzzing for him.
“It was a great finish and I’m glad the referee jumped in because you could see each shot was taking more out of Kai. You never want to see a boxer’s head bouncing off the floor.”
Forrest’s triumph was his seventh straight success as a pro and moved him to 7-0, with two of his wins via stoppage, while Richmond is now 4-2, two of his victories coming early.
Victory for Forrest completed a double for the Hartlepool gym after Tommy Ward returned after a year out in style as he comprehensively outpointed Amani Bariki.
The 29-year-old had not fought since a maiden defeat to Otabek Kholmatov in Newcastle in their WBA world championship final eliminator.
There were no signs of rust as Ward controlled matters throughout, even piling it on in the last with the game Tanzanian hearing the final bell, at which point referee Neil Close awarded an 80-71 scoreline.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
