Bermuda’s Tyler gets another win in Brum

Tyler Christopher…looking to rise through the ranks

THE Birmingham fight scene has gained an exotic addition in Mike Tyler, the former Bermuda international who upped sticks to our city to pursue a pro career.

From Hamilton, the Caribbean island’s capital, to Hockley, from the Bermuda Triangle to the Balti Belt. That’s some transition.

Trained at Anthony Hull’s D&A gym, the tall, stylish light-middle peeled off his sixth straight win at Edgbaston’s H Suite on Saturday night.

In truth, the four-round points shut-out, 40-36, was predictable. Nottinghamshire’s Luke Middleton had only experience going for him, having won two of 25 (two draws).

Nevertheless, Tyler – real name Tyler Christopher – looked the part, blazing away with both hands and landing heavy blows.

If there is a knock, it’s his inability to stop an opponent who was under the cosh from the get-go.

But the Bermudian is a work in progress. He’s showing improvement with each fight and notching-up power is part of the learning curve.

In interview, Tyler is a man not lacking in confidence.

“I’d give myself six, maybe seven out of 10 for that performance,” he drawled. “I should’ve got the guy out of there, but I picked my shots well, there were some great combinations, it was just the final point. I should’ve got him out of there.

“I can see the progress. I’m better in every fight and everyone can see what I’m working on. My jab is my most utilised punch. My power has been coming on leaps and bounds.

“I boxed for Bermuda in Mexico against a guy from Panama and in Colombia against a Puerto Rican. Those experiences helped me immensely, fighting in front of 20,000 to 30,000 Spanish speaking people.

“I’m a student of the sport – if I see a fight I like, I’ll watch it again and again. Knockouts don’t excite me, I appreciate 12 rounds of good boxing.”

The fighter has settled remarkably well to fighting life in Birmingham.

“I found the transition easy because this is such a multi-cultural city. I’m honestly not homesick and there are Bermudians living across the Midlands.

“This is my new home and more English people come to watch each time I fight. There’s a professional boxer in Bermuda who fights maybe once a year. The growth is not there.

“If a chance came up to fight over there, I’d take it, but that’s not really my dream. My dream is to sign for Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn…

“I feel I have the capability to box at British level, but not the experience. I need more six and eight round fights.”