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Looking back at a thrilling and dramatic night of action in London where Dillian Whyte stole the show with a devastating knockout victory.
All Whyte on the night
David Haye was impressed with Dillian Whyte’s highlight reel knockout win against Lucas Browne
This was Dillian Whyte’s night to make a statement and the Brixton heavyweight came through and won emphatically to not just edge closer to a world title shot, but prove the doubters wrong and demonstrate shuddering power that many thought he perhaps lacked.
‘The Body Snatcher’ was a class above Browne and beat him convincingly from the first bell to the eventual stunning finish. If you could guarantee one thing it’s that Browne has a granite chin so for Whyte, who frustratingly was taken the distance by Robert Helenius in his previous outing, this was a huge statement and a major showing of intent.
Ready for Wilder?
Dillian Whyte had a message for Deontay Wilder after his spectacular knockout victory over Lucas Browne
Rated at number one with the governing body, Whyte sits on the brink of a shot at WBC kingpin Deontay Wilder and a fight with the devastating knockout artist cannot be far away. There is no doubt that Whyte impressed against Browne on Saturday and stood up extremely well to the shuddering right hook weapon that the Australian possesses, but he is not Deontay Wilder.
A clash with the brash American would certainly be a step up in class for London’s Whyte. Even so, that really is the next level from here, it’s time to roll the dice and have that test against the very best. Whyte has ticked almost all the boxes in his recent victories over lead contenders Browne, Robert Helenius and Dereck Chisora, and certainly earned his shot.
Rampant Ritson continues to rise
Lewis Ritson stopped Scott Cardle in the second round to retain his British lightweight title
It was another night to savour for the North East’s rapidly rising lightweight star and once again Lewis Ritson delivered an emphatic knockout performance, something that is becoming rather a familiar sight. Scott Cardle was by far and away going to be 24-year-old Ritson’s toughest test to date, but the Newcastle favourite comfortably dealt with an early onslaught to blow away his counterpart in the second period.
His reputation is growing while his ability is receiving more and more admiration, but Ritson, closely guided by his father, appears supreme professional and level-headed. The journey is only just getting started for the unbeaten British champion and the signs are there that Ritson, who will likely have a homecoming bout next time out, still has many levels to rise to.
Johnson out the shadows
Callum Johnson demolished Frank Buglioni in the first round to win the British light-heavyweight title
Callum Johnson had become the somewhat forgotten man of British boxing after a lengthy and frustrating period of inactivity, but this was his coming-out night and he delivered in spectacular fashion.
A first-round stoppage of iron-chinned British champ Frank Buglioni was quite the statement as Johnson quickly reinstated himself as a major force and threat in the division. Trainer Joe Gallagher admitted it was now-or-never for his light-heavyweight charge beforehand and Johnson, aptly named ‘The One’ came through well. With the Lonsdale and Commonwealth belts now proudly around his waist, options will no doubt be plentiful for a fighter who is now very much back out of the shadows.
Chisora on the mic
It did not take Dereck Chisora too long to knock out Zakaria Azzouzi
On a night of sizzling action inside the ring, Chisora’s antics on the outside, in his goading of David Haye and “Chihuahua” Joe Joyce, continue to draw attention and cause a stir. The Finchley favourite gave old rival Haye an ultimatum live on air and ‘Hayemaker’ was quick to refute the offer. It seems the chances of a fight with Joyce on May 5 are slim to none now.
So where does Chisora go now. After a bitterly disappointing showing in his bid for European glory in Monaco at the tail end of last year, ‘Del Boy’ will want another chance to show his worth. A fan-friendly encounter with Carlos Takam is one that has been mooted and that would gladly fill a slot on any undercard in the coming months.
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