Chris Higgs - New British Masters Champion

[WelshDevilRob]

Chris Higgs - New British Masters Champion

 

by Chris Adams at ringside

 

Chris Higgs moved to 11-0 Saturday night and became the British Masters Welterweight Champion after a tough, tough fight in a packed and booming GL1 Leisure Centre Gloucester. Joel Ryan of Walsall (now 4-3) provided stubborn resistance throughout the high paced contest but Higgsy's superior speed, accuracy and technique kept him in control after a slightly sluggish start. In winning the bout Higgs became the first man from the Forest of Dean to ever hold a professional boxing title.

 

As the atmosphere built after a high quality undercard, local champions entered the ring to be presented to the crowd. Southern Area Super Middleweight Champion Kelvin Young, British Super Featherweight king Gary Buckland and local hero and local Gloucester's own John Malfah, who shared the ring with Herol Graham, Chris Eubank, Nicky Piper and Steve Collins during his brilliant career; were among those introduced.

 

As the ring was cleared the stage was set. The volume rose as the Forest faithful picked up with chant after chant for local favourite Chris Higgs. Joel Ryan was first to make his way to the ring and was soon followed by the 10-0 Lydney boxer Higgs who received a rapturous welcome from the over 1000 strong crowd.

 

Joel Ryan started quickest, pressing over the front foot and landing a long looping right hand which caught Higgs unawares. Higgs settled as the round went on and started to find the target with solid shots on the back foot. Higgs started to land the left jab solidly and, as Ryan pressed forward with his head low, he started to bring his shots underneath particularly with a stiff uppercut from the lead hand.

 

As the early rounds progressed, Ryan came forward hard and forced Higgs to match his incessant pace. The at-all-costs intensity of the Ryan attack made it clear they wanted to make Higgs, who was fighting at the 10 round distance for the first time, work at a higher pace than he wanted to and tire him for the home straight. However, the hard training Higgs remained composed and rode out the early storm on the back foot, often punishing his opponent with sharp, punishing counters in the process.

 

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