Kandi sweet science too much for Bavvo

Bavington…appeared to try too hard to please home fans

IN defeat – very costly defeat, Kirstie Bavington appeared to try too hard to uncork a sensational performance for home fans at Wolverhampton’s Hangar Venue.

She entered the ring against Canadian Kandi Wyatt, pumped-up and even growled at the TV camera following her ring-walk.

As a result, the 30-year-old, in her eagerness to impress, rushed her work, smothered her work and was caught by Wyatt’s counters: the left hook – thrown off a roll – proved a particularly accurate weapon for Wyatt. Kandi gave a display of the sweet science.

Kirstie, who has become a hero in her Black Country community, provided plenty of frantic action, too little finesse.

This morning, her legs are probably red raw from kicking herself.

Bavington – Sedgley schoolteacher by day – clearly lost her 10 round battle for the WBA intercontinental welterweight belt. At the final bell, she bore the expression of a fighter who knew they’d fallen short, while former world title challenger Wyatt bounced on the ring apron and whooped with joy.

The Calgary 31-year-old bore the expression of someone who knew victory was in the bag.

European champ Bavington, who came into the ring on a four fight winning streak, was tough, honest and full of endeavour. That rush to bully and dominate gave Wyatt the chance to play matador – and she played it well.

Frankly, I was astonished one judge had “Bavvo” ahead at the finish, 96-94. She appeared a clear loser, as reflected by the other two cards, both 98-92.

It could prove a costly setback for Kirsty. She was within touching distance of a WBO world title fight and Kandi may have crushed those grand plans.

The early action was untidy, though Bavington’s blows brought blood from Wyatt’s nose. My scribbled notes for the fourth state: Bavington trying too hard.

That was the story of the fight.

By the sixth, Wyatt, tall and wiry, was finding space for long, stinging shots and she connected with one particularly jarring right hand in the seventh.

By the eight, Bavington – lumpy over the right eye and her gumshield bloody – was clearly feeling the pace. Wyatt, however, found another gear and took the last three rounds, on my card, with crisp clean punches.

Kirstie was brave to the end, but, at world level, heart is not enough.

She remains a thoroughly likeable individual who conducts herself in exemplary fashion outside the ring.

In defeat, she told fans on social media: “The backbone of all my success is my pals, my fans and my sponsors. I love ya man. Sorry for the result.”

Nothing to apologise for. She began the night thinking about her fans, she ended the night thinking about her fans.