Stoke's Nathan Heaney was handed a very dubious split draw in the first defence of his British Middleweight title. The thirty-four-year-old was taking on Brad Pauls in a volunteer defense of his title at Resorts World Birmingham (16.3.24). Heaney came into the contest which was scheduled for twelve three-minute rounds with an unbeaten record of eighteen without defeat, his opponent Pauls (30) from Essex has won eighteen out of nineteen contests. Both fighters weighed in eleven stone five with Lee Evans reffing.
A positive start by Heaney who used his jab well controlling the distance well as Pauls looked to get on the inside, Heaney’s round. Good combinations by Heaney at the start of the second as Pauls couldn’t close the gap, Pauls started to get into the fight at the end of the round but Heaney it was Heaney’s round. The third was a more competitive round as Pauls started landing some good shots of his own, Heaney continued to look to keep it long and just edged the round. Pauls continued to press in the fourth and was growing in confidence landing some good shots, Heaney continued to keep it long and use his jab well, another close round with Heaney just edging it. Battling fifth round with both fighters landing good shots could not split them. Pauls seemed to have found his range in the sixth as he landed some nice left hooks and backhands as Heaney tried to keep it long.
The seventh was another competitive round with both fighters having joy and landing good shots, would have to give it to Pauls who just edged it. Pauls started the eighth round strong and landed some cracking shots and great combinations rocking Heaney who refused to go down, Heaney looked in a lot of trouble and while under attack his gum shield was knocked out. The ref paused the contest to get it put back in, this took a while and gave Heaney time to recover Pauls continued to press while Heaney looked to see the round out. Heaney used his jab well to keep Pauls at bay, Pauls came back strong at the end of the round but it was Heaney’s round. Heaney continued to keep it at range as Pauls piled on the pressure, Heaney just edged it. Heaney was in trouble in the eleventh round as Pauls unloaded big shots with Heaney having to stand strong and hang tough for most of the round, Heaney then landed a big shot at the end of the round to nearly stop Pauls but both fighters heard the bell. Both fighters left it all in the ring in the final round as both fighters landed cracking shots, Heaney was on the floor but was deemed as a slip, he sprang to his feet and continued to fight to the final be could not split them.
Judge Joh Latham scored it 115 to 114 Heaney, judge Victor Loughlin scored it 116 to 113 Pauls and Judge Kevin Parker had it 114 to 114 a draw. I had it 116 to 114 Heaney.
Heaney Retained Title on A Split Draw
Dexter’s Thoughts
What a fantastic contest this was and a contender for fight of the year. Both fighters can walk away with their heads held high as this was a very competitive contest that swung back and forth. I could see how disappointed Heaney was with the result and like him I thought he had won it by a few rounds. Pauls was a very worthy opponent and with this draw, I think there must be a rematch at some point, it may not be Heaney’s next fight but it would make sense that they do it again. Heaney’s fans roared him on with over two thousand of them in attendance at this show and I know there is talk of him fighting at the Stoke City ground in the summer. This was a fantastic contest and I look forward to seeing Heaney in the ring very soon.