In Pikire, Brum has gained a character

Samuel Pikire with this writer after the victory

BIRMINGHAM boxing has certainly gained a larger-than-life character in Samuel Pikire.

And the man who dubs himself Big Ego showed unusual humility following his whitewash, four rounds points victory over Kiernan McAfee on Tommy Owens’ major Planet Ice, Solihull, show last night (Saturday).

“I scored that six out of 10,” he told me after climbing from the ring. “I got hit with shots I shouldn’t, but I got the win and there was some good stuff going on in there.”

The Longbridge feather is fighting Marmite: fans either love his own running commentary or loathe the boasts.

Buy tickets to see him win or buy tickets to see him lose, people are still buying tickets. That’s good for business all round. I don’t think that’s lost on the man himself.

Some traditionalists’ eyes will roll, but I like the 30-year-old. He’s a colourful character and the game needs colour. And many of the more outlandish comments are made with tongue firmly in cheek.

Excuse the fashion faux pas from a writer in his mid 60s, but Pikire entered the ring in what appeared to be a string vest and strange hat.

That attire may today be considered “street”, but to this pensioner it appeared more “allotment”. Next time I think Pikire (9st 2lbs) should complete the look by making his ring entrance in green wellies.

He is a work in progress – and progress is moving in the right direction.

Pikire (9st 2lbs) has now won three of four – the sole points loss coming against a much heavier man – and looked markedly more relaxed against lean McAfee.

He switched shots smoothly from head to body and caught McAfee (9st 7lbs), who has now lost all 10 contest, with a lovely right hand counter in the second. There was good head movement, too.

The visitor copped two cracking left hooks in the third, but bit on his gumshield in an attempt to trade in the last. It was his best round, but the northerner still came off second best as Big Ego opened up with both hands.

Watching Pikire’s career is going to be interesting. I’m not saying he’s the most gifted boxer out there, but the Second City fight scene has gained what it’s needed for a long time – a true eccentric.