Summers outworks McIntyre for the title
Ricky Summers…gains the English belt at second time of asking
THE smile is probably still starched on Ricky Summers face after his gruelling, hard earned victory over Joel McIntyre at the Hangar Events Venue, Wolverhampton, last night (Friday).
Capturing the belt has set a flame under the 35-year-old’s career, a career that may have been extinguished by defeat to Portsmouth defending champion.
Summers, Tipton born, but now living in Wombourne, has performed in the top tier of domestic boxing. He’s previously fought for the English and British titles.
After 23 bouts, I couldn’t see him returning to Midlands area level. Now the man they call Digger can again dream of a British title shot.
He was made to graft by dangerous McIntyre, in his second reign as champ, but ended the gripping encounter a clear 10 round winner: Phil Edwards had it 98-93, Mark Lyson 96-94, Kevin Parker 97-93.
I had Summers three rounds up at the end.
The contest, on BCB Promotions’ multi-title bill, lacked the dramatic sways in fortune that make for a classic, but it was a damn fine, gripping encounter.
In a sense, McIntyre blew it. He prowled, looking to unload heavy blows, but spent too long before pulling the trigger. He appeared to have the edge in power, but slung single shots when combinations were needed to prise open his opponent’s defence.
That dramatic seam ran throughout the 10 rounder. There was always the possibility the champ would detonate – and, at times, he came close.
As it was he waited too long and was outworked. When he did land, the punches were clubbing and lacked fluidity. At 34 and with 26 fights to his name (six losses), McIntyre performed like someone who had seen better days.
There were mini crises for Summers to endure, times when McIntyre’s blows definitely had an effect, but Summers was never off his feet and kept notching up points behind a fine jab.
Ricky had built-up a three round lead, jabbing to head and body, before McIntyre got his engine running. In the fourth, Joel connected with three good rights, forced Summers to the ropes and grinned at his retreating foe through a bloodied gumshield.
A short jab stiffened Summers legs in the sixth, but the challenger responded with a good right hand of his own on the bell.
By the eighth, Summers was looking tired and blood spilt from his nose, yet he dug deep in a tough, give-and-take round – and rallied to take the ninth.
On my card, McIntyre took the last, yet, even with the belt slipping away, he threatened and did not deliver. He needed to let his punches go. He did not – and paid the price.
Ricky deserved to have his hand raised. Summers, a man who appeared to be approaching the end of a fine career, can now enjoy an Indian summer in the game.