Ellis ignores Mooney mayhem to take win

Ishmael Ellis...wants another shot at Midlands title

MID-WAY through madcap Michael Mooney’s contest with Ishmael Ellis, a punter tapped my shoulder and said: “He’s getting worse, isn’t he?”

That wasn’t a reference to declining skills. That was a reference to the ring eccentric’s antics during his losing four rounder at the Holiday, Inn, Birmingham Airport, last night.

At the age of 39 and with close to 130 bouts under his belt, the Worcester warrior has certainly turned up the volume.

He bellowed, provided a running commentary, then led Birmingham’s Ellis in a theatrical bow to the crowd.

Michael Mooney...produced his full repertoire at Holiday Inn

In the fight game, there’s showboating and shenanigans. “Mad Man” Mooney has added slapstick to the list.

At times during a fight that failed to catch fire, I glanced at the veteran’s trainer, Adam Harper. The former English champ could not, at times, conceal a “he’s not with me” expression.

Chants of “there’s only one Michael Mooney” broke out. That’s a statement of fact, not a term of endearment.

To his credit, Ellis ignored the bizarre behaviour and continued to pick-up points behind his jab, taking a 39-37 decision on referee Ryan Churchill’s card. I had it a clean sweep for the tattooed ex Midlands lightweight champ.

At 33 and after 24 fights, Ellis (10st 5lbs) is at a stage in his career where defeat could spell the end.

Before Mooney, he took his show on the road, faced very dangerous men on big shows and suffered three inside distance defeats on the spin.

Last night, it was back to the bread and butter stuff.

“I didn’t want to take too many risks in there,” Ishmael said. “I couldn’t risk a run of five losses. I want to get another Midlands title, I want to be in good fights.

“If the next fight is the end, it is what it is. But I have a goal and it’s about doing what I have to do to achieve that goal.”

Of Mooney’s running commentary during the contest, Ellis added: “Didn’t bother me. You’re not going to stop me doing what I’ve got to do with words.”

Ellis jabbed and hooked off the jab in the first before Mooney (10st 5lbs) began his repertoire. He bared his gumshield in a grin after a body shot, shouted to the crowd and contemptuously spread his hands after Ellis connected with an uppercut.

He had some success with rights, but it was Ellis who patiently plugged away, connecting with a double jab in the third, a left hook in the fourth.

It wasn’t a particularly riveting watch, it was a vital win for Ishmael.

Before the first bell rang, Mooney told me: “Don’t interview me in the dressing room afterwards, I’m going out with the lads. Ring me.”

I doubt defeat put a damper on that party.