River stays Sharp as bigger fights beckon

River Wilson-Bent…chasing shot at English title

DEFEAT has not blunted the desire of Coventry hope River Wilson-Bent.

In fact, the middleweight’s stock may have risen following his split decision loss to Tyler Denny for the English belt. Remember, River had a point deducted in that entertaining 10 rounder.

Tyler has gone on to beat two undefeated prospects tipped for big things and is in line for a British title shot.

Wilson-Bent, who possesses a marauding, fans-friendly style, maintains he’s a logical contender for the English crown, should Denny vacate.

That’s common sense, not bluster.

At Coventry’s Sports Connexion last night (Saturday), the 29-year-old kept ring rust at bay with six round points victory over Lancashire light-heavy Darryl Sharp.

Predictably, River had too much of everything for a southpaw who lost for the 100th time in 118 bouts (one draw).

Sharp showed grit to withstand sickening body shots. He took stick throughout and lost every session, 60-54.

Much stiffer tests await Wilson-Bent who has lost only two of 17. The only other setback came by way of emphatic stoppage at the hands of thunderous punching hot prospect Hamzah Sheeraz last November.

“It’s crazy, but no one wants to fight,” River told me.  “All I can do is keep doing what I have to do in the gym

“We’ve been told Tyler will vacate the English title and good luck to him, he deserves to fight for the British,” said Wilson-Bent.

“I’m the logical choice to fight for the vacant title. Tyler beat me narrowly. I had a point taken off and still thought I’d got it by a couple of rounds.

“Look at the unbeaten lads he’s boxed since me, look what he’s done to them. He easily outpointed them and could’ve stopped them.”

He added: “The Sheeraz fight, we had four weeks notice for it. We knew it was a dangerous fight, but I was confident and ready to go.”

Wilson-Bent believes he’s emerged a more complete fighter from the defeats.

“I was always the guy who had to be the fastest, it was always a rush. Now I’m more relaxed. I’m older and wiser.”

Worryingly, Wilson-Bent has shown a tendency to cut in recent outings. He has learned – the hard way – to live with fragile brows.

“I used to think, ‘s***, I’m cut’, now it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I just let my corner get on with it. It is what it is.”

The defeats have certainly hardened Wilson-Bent and his career glistens with promise. More importantly, his massive fan base still believe.

“I feel I’m getting stronger and I’m fighting wiser,” said the pin-up puncher. “I’ve learnt to box at my pace and I’ve developed a pro style.”

Make no mistake – River is poised to make waves among the middleweight division’s best.