Jimenez makes it a hat-trick of victories

Kay Jimenez celebrates victory over Russian Fatkhullin

KUTAIBA “Kay” Jimenez is a Birmingham based Syrian who enjoys very noisy, very enthusiastic support from his countrymen.

They chanted, they sang, they gathered at ringside during his six rounder against Russian Rustem Fatkhullin at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms last night (Saturday).

And when he gained landslide points victory – 60-54 – they paraded “The Beast from the Middle East” on their shoulders as if he had won a world title.

They appeared extremely excitable. It didn’t matter that Fatkhullin has won only six of 71.

Away from the euphoria, Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr, who guide the 30-year-old, still have work to do.

Jimenez, who scored his third straight pro win, was caught too easily by left hooks and needs to let his hands go more. My notes for the fourth state: “Kay waiting too long.”

Fatkhullin (10st 7lbs 9oz) came on a losing streak stretching more than 60 fights, but enjoyed pockets of success. He’s also well versed in the dark arts and received a string of warnings for dangerous headwork.

Much shorter than Jimenez (10st 9lbs 3oz), he stayed mobile and, particularly in the second, found the target with left hooks: in fact, I gave him that session.

Jimenez stalked patiently, cut off the ring and slowly turned the screw. Too often, when within range, he failed to pull the trigger. He took control from the fourth and, by the following session, Fatkhullin was under heavy pressure against the ropes.

By the last round, Kay was totally dominant as his opponent attempted to slip and slide to safety.

Jimenez is a work in progress. If he gets to lift a title, the man’s adoring public will raise the roof from the venue.