Oli’s big right earns him a dramatic win

Oli Cassidy is all smiles after his first win by stoppage

JUDGING by the wrecking ball blows Oli Cassidy landed last night (Friday), the light-middle has added considerable power to his game during eight months away from the game.

On BCB Promotions’ bill at the Hangar, Wolverhampton, Cassidy demolished Martin Shaw in just 22 seconds of the third. Referee Ryan Churchill’s intervention was well-timed: the Rotherham fighter had not been off his feet but was dazed and defenceless against the ropes.

The show was entitled “Havoc at the Hangar”. Cassidy provided the havoc.

The damage had been done in the previous session of the scheduled six rounder. Cassidy, raised in Sutton Coldfield, but now based in Rowley Regis, uncorked a mighty right hand that sent Shaw lurching across the ring.

With Shaw (11st 8lbs 4oz) on disobedient legs, another 10 seconds would, I’m sure, have ended his involvement in the affair. The bell came to his rescue, but the minute’s respite between rounds was not enough.

Cassidy (11st 7lbs) immediately landed a right down the pipe at the start of the third. It sent a shockwave through Shaw’s body and a left hook drove him to the ropes. Another big right signalled the end.

Actually, up until Oli found that first huge right, I felt the bout was in danger of becoming messy.

That quick-fire win was 26-year-old Cassidy’s first stoppage in an unblemished seven fight career.

He told me afterwards: “Richie (trainer Richie Ghent) has been teaching me to relax more and sit down on my punches.

The lessons have evidently been well learned.

Oli added: “It’s been a bit frustrating, I haven’t fought since November, but I’m pleased with the way it went tonight. I sat down on the shots and could feel the extra power.”

So could 32-year-old Shaw, who has now lost 16 of 22 (three draws).