‘MexiKane’ Kane Baker put on a great winning performance with only 2 days' notice against the unbeaten Meslech Speare (5-0). Speare (23) who is managed by former world champ Tony Bellew had also only had two days' notice had not fought in 18 months. Baker (30) had fought just two weeks ago losing a close fight to Aqib Fiaz and had also retired when Eddie Hearn called him to offer him the fight.
The fight was on the undercard of the Ritson, Vazquez fight live on Sky sports (17,10,20). The fight was fought over 3 two minute rounds at Super Lightweight with both fighters coming in 9 stone 12.
Round one saw a busy start by Baker who let his hands go and got some good combinations off. Speare's got some shot in but it was Bakers round. Speare got some good sharp jabs off at the start of the second but Baker was setting a high pace and banged in some good combinations, Spear put some big swinging shots in but it was Baker’s round. The third was another busy round by Baker as he pressured Speare from start to finish, Speare got the odd flashy shot off but Baker won the round on work rate.
Great fourth as both fighters went toe to toe which suited ‘MexiKane’, Both fighters banged in good shots on the inside with Speare finishing the stronger which got him a share of the round. The fifth was another close round as both fighters got good shots off, Speare's finished the round the stronger to nick it. Baker moved around the ring well in the sixth sitting on the ropes when needed popping off shots to keep Speare at bay to win the round and the fight.
I had the fight 59 to 56 Baker with the Referee having it the same.
Dexter’s Thoughts
I could not be more chuffed for a boxer than I am for Kane Baker tonight, he took this fight with two days' notice and brought the thunder to an unbeaten fighter. Speare may have only had 2 days notice as well but Hearn and Bellew must of thought that their unbeaten fighter would take care of ‘the boxing fan with a license’ with no issues but no one told Kane that. Baker is one of the niece’s boxers I have had the privilege to interview and so humble and feels privileged to be in the position he is in. He has fought live on TV several times but this is the first time he has won which will add to his story that himself and his partner Coral are making. I heard that after his last fight against Aqib Fiaz he retired, I really hope he keeps going. He has made his mark and is on Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn’s mind and I’m sure they will look to put him in another fight on an undercard Live on Sky Sports. Whatever he does he put on a great performance tonight which he should be proud of.