Oliver’s army roar on their Great Barr hero

Reagan Oliver celebrates landslide victory over Sean Jackson

REAGAN Oliver, former fine amateur who made his pro debut last night (Friday), is a man with a truly mighty fan base.

They came in their hundreds to support the lean Great Barr super-bantam and near raised the roof every time the 24-year-old connected on Anthony Manning’s Nxt Gen show at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

Promoters take not: Reagan will put bums on seats, even if his legion of supporters won’t spend much time seated.

In  truth, Oliver had it pretty much all his own way against Manchester’s Sean Jackson, a switch-hitter still searching for his first win after 12 fights (one draw).

Oliver kept the basics, forced his man back with snapping leads and right hands and romped to a landslide 40-36 decision after four one-sided rounds.

Reagan got the job done - no frills, no drama, sparking pure pandemonium among his fanbase.

Later, he told them during an interview: “All I can do is go in there and do the business. I do it for my family. I’m going all the way, no doubt.”

Sorry, but until Oliver faces much stiffer opposition than Jackson (8st 9lbs 6oz) it IS in doubt.

He did everything asked of him last night, but others will ask more difficult questions. He was too fresh, too hungry, too well conditioned and too good for his opponent.

Jackson, in the southpaw stance, was forced to the ropes in the second and shipped a heavy right hook to the body in the second.

By then, Oliver (8st 9lbs 9oz) was letting his fists churn.

In the third, the popular lad was unleashing hooks and Jackson had no answer. A solid left had Jackson retreating in the last and Reagan followed-up with a salvo to the body, landing a sweet left on the bell.

Oliver bossed the action. As he climbs the professional ladder, Reagan will discover others will be less willing to allow him to be the boss.

But, at this stage, he has the best defence any apprentice can ask for. He sells tickets.