Stylish Pettigrew has the old school tricks

Ashley Pettigrew…gave a polished performance at The Hangar

FLEDGLING pro Ashley Pettigrew looked mightily impressive in outclassing stubborn journeyman Naeem Ali at Wolverhampton’s Hangar venue last night (Friday).

BCB’s show, which attracted a big crowd, gave me my first look at the tall Stafford light-middle. The 24-year-old is a very accomplished addition to the paid ranks.

I don’t know who trains Ash, but they’ve instilled some real old-pro tricks into the apprentice.

Blackburn’s Ali, taking part in his 107th contest (two wins, one draw) tried to smother and spoil. Pettigrew, showing maturity behind his ring years, would grab his opponent’s elbow, pivot, pulling him off balance and opening his guard, then unleash counters.

Classy stuff. Add to the repertoire adroit footwork and constant head movement.

In only his third outing, Ash was too poised and polished for Ali, who was dropped in the second by a body shot, before losing by a gaping 40-35 margin after four rounds.

Pettigrew (11st 2lbs 6oz) pumped out jabs from the start and constantly switched angles. A short, spiteful shot to the body sent Ali tumbling for a seven count in round two. By the third he was being constantly pinned against the ropes and his guard pierced by uppercuts.

A lovely left hook to the mid-riff near doubled-up Ali (11st 1lb 6oz) in the third. Now in full retreat, he fiddled and survived until the final bell.

It was a thoroughly uncomfortable night for the 27-year-old.

Much sterner tests await Pettigrew, tests of stamina and old-fashioned bottle. He has, however, shown one thing – the lad has ring smarts.