Ben scores stunning first round stoppage

Ben Fields’ team celebrate victory in the English title eliminator.

BEN Fields can add another stunning upset to a career studded with against-all-odds victories.

And this one is probably the biggest.

At York Hall, Bethnal Green, last night (Saturday), the Digbeth dynamo demolished favourite George Hennon in one round of an English light-welter eliminator scheduled for 10.

In the short time it lasted, the Kent prospect, who had lost only one of nine going into the bout, was twice dumped on the canvas.

Once Ben smelt blood he simply hurled big hooks until Hennon crumbled. The second knockdown, a mighty right, took everything from his opponent.

For the Birmingham 33-year-old, it was the perfect statement after suffering his first inside distance defeat. Back in April, Jamie Robinson knocked him out in three.

But that was at welterweight. At 10st – his natural weight, Fields is a very different fighter, a much more dangerous fighter.

Speaking to me on the morning after the magnificent victory, Ben said: “As soon as I saw Hennon was in trouble, I began throwing big hooks. I didn’t even get started, to be honest. I didn’t break into a sweat.”

Hennon had built a career against boxers with losing records. Fields, a former Midlands champ, has learnt on the road against men he was not supposed to beat.

Last night, that was the difference.

As a prospect, we now know Hennon has feet of clay. Fields has a will of iron.

Ben said: “The away corner is a very hard place when you’re trying to achieve something. You have to fight good lads. In the away corner, you don’t always get the rub of the green and sometimes it does dishearten you.

(After Robinson), I had to bounce back with a good win.  I thought, ‘I’m not going to let this get to me’. I was straight back in the gym.

“At 10st, I’m a different fighter. With a day before weight-in and fully re-hydrated, I’m a different fighter. Look at the good opponents I’ve been in with.

“We went down there and got the job done.”

And Fields warned: “Don’t write me off.”

That would be a big mistake for anyone facing Fields, one of the game’s true hardmen.

He’s now in line for an English title fight. And who would back against a boxer who has made a career out of making the seemingly impossible possible?