Home Boxing News Ben Day, 36, scores first-round stoppage to win International Masters title

Ben Day, 36, scores first-round stoppage to win International Masters title

Lightweight Ben Day stops opponent in first round to claim vacant International Masters title.

Unbeaten lightweight Ben Day 7-0-1 stopped his Latvian opponent Ilja Sovdra 2-1 in the first round of their eight round title fight to be crowned with his first ever professional belt – the International Masters Bronze lightweight title.

The 36-year-old decked his unbeaten foe from Riga with a devastating body shot in the opening round.

He commented after the fight, “It was a good shot, a very good shot, obviously I thought it was going to go on for longer but I told you was going to do it on the night.”

Promoter Steve Goodwin was especially pleased with the performance, stating, “Delighted. We spoke about a year ago now and we said this was the plan and today the plan has been executed.”

The new Masters champion trained by Alec Wilkey in his Poplar gym concluded, “We did it! Brilliant team around me, couldn’t be happier.”

Robert Asagba opened the show on his professional debut and looks set to be a fine talent with a good future as he defeated Harjnder Gill.

Rakeem Ashaye Noble moved up to 8-0 with a points victory after an accidental head clash stopped the contest prematurely. It was a good learning fight for Rakeem who will be out again in July.

Matthew Chanda suffered a knockdown in the second round but displayed professionalism and heart to turn the fight around winning on points.

Jimmy Perrin won his second pro contest by stoppage defeating Liam Conroy.

Sohail Ahmad is a colourful character with a big future and he moved up to 6-0 after defeating Ben Kneller in his second career stoppage. The Afghan boxer residing in London has improved massively under the ever expanding RJ’s Gym managed by respected trainer Rod Julian.

Debutant Ollie Pinnock from Essex put in a fantastic debut performance to win against journeyman Bheki Moyo.

The entire Upton Clan accompanied by their coach Ricky Hatton were in attendance. All three brothers, Anthony, Sonny and Paul came away victorious in a clean sweep for the Hitman’s talented prospects.

To follow Ben Day on Twitter click here @benday32

Ben would like to thank his sponsors; Ringtone Boxing Gym and PR Manager Tim Rickson.