Florence given scare in comeback contest

Greener looks less than happy as Florence has his hand raised

I WALKED away from my post fight interview with Alex Florence – a fighter on the comeback trail after nearly five years away – with a lot of respect for the man.

There were no boasts, no BS – just the no-nonsense truth.

And the truth is the Hereford 27-year-old laboured badly against Wiltshire journeyman Stuart Greener on BCB’s Friday night bill at the H Suite. He looked gassed during the second half of the Edgbaston four rounder and copped too many right hands.

Referee Chris Dean had Florence winning 39-37. I had it a draw.

After so long away from the ring, Alex – now unbeaten in seven – can be forgiven for not firing on all cylinders.

But he was in no mood to provide excuses. “The gas just went,” he said. “It was my first fight in five years and I was very anxious and nervous. The training was a bit stop start, to be honest. I think I just nicked it, but I’ve got to re-assess my fitness levels.

“Five years ago he wouldn’t have touched me. He can punch, but not enough to hurt me.”

Florence added: “I’m not going to bull****, I’m very disappointed.”

It was a contest of two distinct halves. Florence (10st 1lb) dictated the early going behind stiff jabs and spiteful body shots.

Greener’s (10st 2lb 9oz) confidence visibly grew as his opponent tired from the midway point. He chased after Florence, landing right hands and uppercuts.

My notes for the fourth state: “Alex looking tired, Greener having too much success with right hands.”

If Florence expected to gently ease back into the game, he received a shock.