Stevens: ‘That fight was never a draw!’

Kirk Stevens can still manage a wry smile after decision announced

KIRK Stevens, one of the game’s true warriors, felt aggrieved after his spirited, if sometimes untidy, four rounder with Jordan Ellison ended all square.

“That was never a draw,” the Telford light-welter told me as he left the ring at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn yesterday (Sunday).

His new trainer Tristan Davies and manager Jon Pegg were of the same opinion.

I thought Stevens – a tough man in a tough world – nicked it, but the contest was too close to dub referee Peter McCormack’s 38-38 scoreline a robbery. After losing the first, southpaw Stevens grew into the action.

Perhaps a return over six rounds is called for.

And Mr McCormack, one of the best middle men on the circuit, had his work cut out. He warned both as heads collided – a clash in the first nicking Stevens over the left eye – and took time out in the third to tell both men to tidy their work.

I like 34-year-old Stevens, who entered the pro ranks without expectation, was KOd in his debut, yet bounced back to win a prestigious knockout tournament and Midlands title. He has come on leaps and bounds.

The “Cinderella Man” slogan on his robe has been earned the hard way.

County Durham’s Ellison is no slouch and has gained his share of upset victories in a career spanning close to 80 contests. He recently held Midlands champ Ryan Griffiths to a draw and upset Dylan Cheema’s applecart.

And, for me, he took the first against Stevens with straight punches.

Kirk (10st 2lbs) targeted the body in the second, landing long lefts and chopping rights to the ribs. He was forcing Ellison back.

Another big left downstairs thudded home in the third and Stevens worked head and body down the stretch, although Ellison (10st 5lbs) did connect with a neat left hook.