At yesterday’s weigh in at The Balmoral Hotel in Belfast for tonight’s Martin Lindsay-John Simpson British featherweight title fight, most boxers were happy to make weight and get on with the formalities with the minimum of fuss. However, co-feature, Shinny Bayaar and Paul Edwards (left) who are contesting the British flyweight title, engaged in the most intensive head-to-head of the day.
Both men squared up menacingly to one another and as they parted company Bayaar, to the enjoyment of the neutral Belfast crowd who had gathered to watch the weigh in, signalled a cutthroat gesture to Edwards. Edwards (7-0) seemed to enjoy the pantomime gesture and laughed it off with the assembled group.
Afterwards, Bayaar (15-4-2) was happy to discuss the upcoming fight with Edwards and his very controversial draw with Ashley Sexton – a fight that prompted a chorus of criticisms from fight fans who felt that Bayaar clearly won the fight [including this writer].
“That was a robbery decision anyway. I knew it. But it is still my belt and this is my second defence and I am looking forward to it tomorrow.”
Bayaar did not want to be drawn on his possible fight trajectory until he had overcome his opponent, Edwards. “He is good. I respect all of my opponents but I have no fears of them and I will have no mercy in the ring.”
“Training and sparring has gone well and thanks to everyone who has been training and sparring with me – thanks guys.”
“I am usually a very attacking person, but now I am quite relaxed as I have got a lot of experience. I use my experience and my brain more now.”
Bayaar’s only prediction was: “I will definitely win the fight”.
And a rematch with Ashley Sexton?
“Well, there are not many flyweights around in the country so it must happen.”
It was mentioned to Bayaar that Maloney has committed to running three shows in Belfast next year to be headlined by Martin Lindsay, perhaps, if he keeps winning there could be a showdown with one of the Belfast flyweights, either Conlan or Wilton?
Bayaar laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe, who knows? I have heard about them but I have never seen their fights, I will probably see tomorrow.”
The full weigh in details and proposed card is below:
British Featherweight Title
Martin Lindsay (8 stone 12 Ilb 14 oz) v John Simpson (8 stone 13 Ilb 6 oz)
British Flyweight Title
Shinny Bayaar (7 stone 13 Ilb 2 oz) v Paul Edwards (7 stone 13 Ilb 4 oz)
Tony Jeffries (12 stone 5 Ilb 6 oz) v Tommy Tolan (12 stone 8 Ilb)
Luke Wilton (8 stone 14 oz) v Uzzy Ahmed (8 stone 10 oz)
Jamie Conlan (8 stone 2 Ilb 2 oz) v Francis Croes (8 stone 7 Ilb 14 oz)
Brian Cusack (12 stone 10 Ilb 8 oz) v (12 stone 7 Ilb 14 oz)
Tony Nellins (10 stone 2 Ilb 14oz) v Jason Carr (10 stone 4 Ilb 8oz)
Dan Carr (9 stone 6 Ilb 4 oz) v Mike Harvey (9 stone 6 Ilb 10oz)
Ryan Greene (11 stone 1 Ilb 5 oz) v Simone Lucas (11 stone 3 Ilb 4 oz)
Steve Jevons v Martin Shaw (both fighters will weigh in tomorrow morning)
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