Liam Walsh moved a step closer to facing IBF Super Featherweight Champion Jose Pedraza after outclassing Andrey Klimov over twelve rounds last night at the Harrow Leisure Centre. Walsh produced a punch perfect performance to take a unanimous decision with scores of 119-108, 120-107 and 120-107 from the judges.
After a cagey opening round the classy Walsh began to take control of the fight, doubling up on his jab and landing some well-timed shots. It was more of the same in the third as Walsh looked the quicker and more agile of the two.
Walsh dropped his Russian opponent to the canvas with a straight right at the very end of the fifth round and Klimov was given the mandatory eight count. The rowdy ‘Farmy Army’ roared Walsh on as he dominated the latter rounds of the fight. Rochdale born Walsh continued to score with crisp jabs and right hands in the championship rounds and was triumphantly lifted into the air by his brother Michael after the final bell.
Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk after the fight Walsh said: “I need to watch the fight back. Everyone has told me it was brilliant but I need to watch it back because I feel like I could have done better. I always want to win at all costs but a very close second is to keep fans entertained!
“Everyone is telling me it was a world class performance so maybe I’m being a bit daft. I felt in control and I felt like he couldn’t really hurt me. He was consistent, solid and he stuck to his guns. He didn’t force himself and he didn’t do anything crazy to leave gaps so it was difficult to prise him open.
After his impressive win over Klimov, Walsh now find himself in line to face Puerto Rican Champion Jose Pedraza. Stylish southpaw Walsh is willing to travel anywhere in the world to fulfill his destiny.
“I don’t know anything about the Pedraza fight yet, I haven’t given it any thought. If I had my way it would 100% be in Norwich, if not then we’ll travel away. Let’s travel to America. Let’s get booed out of the arena with all of the odds against me! Let’s be the underdog! I’ll perform under that pressure I’m sure. I’ll go anywhere to fight Pedraza. A ring is a ring to me!”
Undercard Results:
Fight # 1
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
PRINCE PATEL WPTS4 (40-36) V PATRICK BARTOS
Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
JOHNNY COYLE WPTS6 (60-50) V GEIBOORD OMIER
Fight # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
BEN SMITH WPTS4 (40-36) V CHRIS ADAWAY
Fight # 4
6 X 2 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
CHARLIE DRISCOLL WPTS6 (60-54) V MATT SEAWRIGHT
Fight # 5
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
D.P CARR WTKO1 (1:50) V ELEMIR RAFAEL
Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
SAM McNESS WTKO2 (0:30) V SAM OMIDI
Fight # 7
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
BOY JONES JNR WTKO6 (2.23) V TAMAS LASKA
Fight # 8
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
JEZ SMITH D8 V MACAULEY McGOWAN D8
Fight # 9
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
GEORGE JUPP WPTS8 (78-76) V JORDAN ELLISON
Fight # 10
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
RYAN GARNER WTKO3 (0:26) V ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS
Fight # 11
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
MITCHELL SMITH WRTD4 V NORWIN GALO 10st 2lbs
Fight # 12
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
ARCHIE SHARP WPTS6 (60-54) V DAMIEN LAWNICZAK
Fight # 13
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
SANJEEV SAHOTA WPTS4 (38-37) V FONZ ALEXANDER
