Rob Hunt claimed the vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title on Saturday evening following a deserved points victory over Sullivan Mason at Walsall Town Hall.
The 29 year-old put in a career best performance in his 26th professional fight to take the title, vacated by Stourbridge’s Sam Eggington who goes in pursuit of a Commonwealth Title at Birmingham Barclaycard Arena next month.
Hunt was well worth victory, putting in a composed and assured performance against Mason, who visited the canvas for the first time in his career following a spiteful left hook in the third round.
The Nuneaton man composed himself and, to his credit, took the fight the ten round distance. However, the winner was never in doubt. Hunt was given a 96-93 victory, which could have been wider based on the Stafford man’s dominance.
Former Hunt foe, Steven Pearce, also claimed a title as he stopped Amir Unsworth in six rounds. The Stourbridge scrapper went toe-to-toe with the Sleaford slugger in a compelling contest that could have taken place in a phone booth.
Credit to both men for giving it their all. Pearce’s power proved the difference and Unsworth was forced to retire on his stool at the end of the sixth round with three cuts bloodying his face and blurring his vision.
Elsewhere, two Black Country boxers warmed up ahead of their respective Midlands Area Title defences.
Bloxwich’s light welterweight champion, Luke Paddock, prepared for his showdown with Birmingham’s Chris Truman in Wolverhampton on 6th June with a 6×2’s run-out against Tamworth’s Matt Seawright. ‘Cool Hand’ boxed excellently to record a shut out win.
Rowley Regis’ light middleweight champion, Jason Welborn, navigated his way past the tricky and game Dan Blackwell ahead of his much antciipated showdown with Dudley’s Ryan Aston, again on 6th June in Wolverhampton. Welborn recorded a 40-37 win.
Essington’s Ben Wilkes looked like he’d never been away as he schooled James Child in every round to record a shut out points win his first fight in five years whilst two debutants, Sid Bowater and Craig Morris completed the Black Country Boxing Promotions card.
Wolverhampton welterweight, Bowater, produced a punch perfect display to shut out veteran Ali Wyatt. It was a long time coming for the likeable lad, brother of Des, who finally received medical clearance earlier this year after threatening to make his pro bow for over a year. It was worth the wait.
Craig Morris became the first professional boxer from Ludlow in over 75 years as he stepped in with Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley to also record a shut out win.
Black Country Boxing return to Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, 4th July. Call 0845 111 2900 for more information.
