UNTIDY it may have been but Paul Smith’s split decision victory over Tony Quigley on Friday night was nonetheless a truly absorbing spectacle.
In a war of attrition, heart and city pride, Smith was given the nod to take the British Super-Middleweight title away from Quigley in his first defence since beating Tony Dodson in March.
Although the 6,000 fight fans, who packed out the Echo Arena to create an incendiary atmosphere befitting of the clash, were not afforded a reckless brawl some had hoped for, they were instead witness to a gruelling derby day battle which proved difficult to call.
Ringside judge Phil Edwards scored the bout in favour of the holder 116-114 but Howard Foster and Ian John-Lewis believed Smith to be the winner, carding scores of 116-113 and 116-112 respectively – that it came to a split verdict was telling of the fine lines which existed in the fight and testament to each boxer’s unrelenting desire to win.
The Daily Post scored the bout 116-113, also in the favour of Smith.
After all the pre-fight scuffles and verbal sparring, an olive branch of respect was handed out as the pair hugged in the middle of the ring after the final bell.
And too, the divided loyalties of the crowd came together in a standing ovation in appreciation of what both fighters had put on the line for their entertainment.
The hub of anticipation which descended on the Arena at around 10.30pm was impossible not to feel as the challenger entered the ring first to Deacon Blues ‘Real Gone Kid’ before Quigley was strode on with ‘You’ll never walk alone’ – the magnitude of the occasion hammered home.
The first few rounds were cagey, as Smith nor Quigley were willing to make the first significant attack.
Quigley took the first round, being the more aggressive boxer before Smith’s single shots landing cleanly enough in the second level.
Article
