Bethell dazzles in a one round pro debut

Bethell awaits the KO being announced to the public

YOU can’t ask for a more explosive debut than the one served up by Wolverhampton’s Brandon Bethell last night.

Revellers outside Birmingham city centre’s Holiday Inn were daringly dressed for Halloween parties. Bethell, who I remember as a Great Wyrley amateur, provided a fireworks display worthy of Bonfire night with a two minute 59 seconds KO of usually durable Logan Paling.

And the baby faced 22-year-old is certainly well supported. He sold over 200 tickets for his big night and that barmy, gold and black army raised the roof during his brief big night.

Paling, paralysed by body shots, takes the full count

Tattooed Paling (9st 10lbs) was hunted down from first bell. The baby-faced assassin before him worked the body, then unleashed two crippling right hooks downstairs that dropped Paling to his knees. In a kneeling position, both gloves on the canvas, Birmingham’s Logan, clearly in agony, took the full count.

Paling has now lost all 12 pro contests, but that was only the second time he’s failed to hear the final bell. His other inside distance defeat also came from body shots and that may be where the tough fighter’s vulnerability lies.

Bethell (9st 11lbs) looks an exciting addition to the paid ranks.

Trainer Gavin Burrows told me: “I couldn’t be any more proud of him. To win your first fight in under a round, you couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I’m excited by him, fans are going to see a lot more performances like that.”

Bethell said: “I expected it to go longer, but I know I can stop people because I’ve done it in the amateurs.

“I honestly think I can go to the top. I work really hard, have a good team around me and great support.”

Of his dream debut, Brandon added: “It felt great. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and always told people I would do one day. Now I’ve made it happen and done it exactly how I wanted to, I can’t explain how good it feels.”