Tommy Owens Promotions held their first show of 2024 at the Holiday Inn Coventry rd (2,3.24). The show consisted of five fights of four, four-rounder, and a six-round main event. Fighting out the home corner you had David Butlins, Ryan Whelan, Brad Coley, Leo Fanthome, and doing the six-rounder Dylan Norman. The Column was unfortunately not at this show but Boxing Manager and coach Jon Pegg has issued a nice write-up about the show which is below.
First up Redditch’s own Leo Fanthome trained by Anton Hill at DNA gym was making his debut. Taking on the vastly experienced Dale Arrowsmith Leo impressed his army of fans with a really mature display for a debut.
Using a great jab and mixing it up with some hurtful attacks he kept the centurion on his back foot all the way through. Ref Ron Kearny scored every round for him.
Pocket rocket Brad Coley continued his rise up the ranks with a shut-out victory over game Stevie Maguire in the super fly division.
Looking very sharp and accurate Brad countered and attacked against Maguire who was up against from the first bell.
Brad also worked the body nicely and it can’t be long till we see this lad in title fights.
Next Ryan Whelan brought along his Nechells gym support and sent them home very happy. A drop down to super middle saw Ryan taking on Josh Cook.
Ryan used a great jab and attacked the body constantly to pick up the pts.
Winning every round the question being asked was is Ryan going to be the next member of the famous fighting Holte family to pick up a midlands title.
David Butlin was up next and a late withdrawal of former commonwealth champ Luke Blackledge left Dave fighting former foe Gennadi Kravjeski.
A lot more relaxed than the first time they met Dave landed a lot of heavy artillery in the first two rounds rocking him a couple of times.
After realising the rock-headed Lithuanian doesn’t fall over easy. Dave spent the last two rounds using his jab and superior skills to pick up the points and leave no doubt about the verdict.
Last on the show the main event huge fan favourite Dylan Norman was up against Doncaster hardman Jake Smith.
Using his fast-handed and aggressive style Norman put Smith under early pressure and really landed some thuds to the head and body.
By round three smith although outworked started putting some meaty counters and while not enough to overcome the deficit they kept Dylan respectful and sharp.
Over the last three Dylan upped his work rate and really excited his huge band of travelling fans.
A clever step up and it can’t be long before we see Dylan fighting for some interesting belts.
Big thanks to the sponsors slot-masters and Mark Convey of Mc sports for their help.