Tori oozes class in whitewash victory

Ivanova’s face show the marks of battle. Pictures: Jack Perry

WITHOUT being overly dramatic, last night I may have witnessed the future of women’s boxing in the diminutive form of Tori-Ellis Willetts.

On last night’s British title bill at Birmingham city centre’s Holiday Inn, the former decorated amateur oozed class as she dished out a drubbing to tough and experienced Bulgarian Ivanka Ivanova.

The Sutton Coldfield 28-year-old has been well-schooled in the professional arts by trainer Max McCracken.

The left jab rammed into Ivanova’s face from first bell to last – and it was a hurtful, punishing weapon, rather than a mere points collector. By the end, Ivanova’s face resembled tenderised steak, both eyes puffy and grazed, her nose leaking blood.

Willetts with trainer McCracken. World title in 12 months?

Referee Chris Dean’s whitewash 60-54 scoreline was a formality.

In her 33rd contest (six wins, three draws), Ivanova only brought courage and durability to the table. That was never going to be enough against Willetts.

Before the BCB show, Jason Lowe, an expert in women’s pro boxing, had told me Willetts was the real deal. He was right.

Usually, I’d hide a smirk if a trainer told me their apprentice fighter – and that was only Willetts’ third bout – will compete for world honours within a year.

But McCracken, who made the claim about talented Tori, may well be correct with his time-line.

“It was a good learning fight,” he said. “We’re looking for a title fight in December and a world title in 12 months.

“She’s ready to jump in big fights, she’s aggressive, she’s a good TV fighter.”

Willetts said: “I’m happy with the performance. I boxed my way in and used the body shots. She was tough and it’s early stages, but I’m getting better each time.”

It was a torturous evening for Ivanova (8st 7lbs). Willetts’ jab was like a well-oiled piston, her footwork would’ve done Ginger Rogers proud.

By the second, the Bulgarian’s face already showed the marks of battle as Tori (8st 6lbs 14oz) doubled the lead, unleashed right hands, then skipped out of distance.

Willetts has her hand raised at the final bell

By the third, Willetts had added rights to the body to her repertoire and an eye-catching left sunk into the midriff in the fourth.

Ivanova, to her credit, attempted to bull Willetts back, but was wading through a storm of leather that matched the wind and rain lashing streets outside. Tori lived up to her “Tornado” nickname.

With welts under both eyes, Ivanova had the dejected look of a thoroughly beaten fighter by the fifth. She clung on in the last and should be applauded for taking her lumps. The lumps were many.

Stiffer tests await Tor-Ellis Willetts. On last night’s performance, she looks like passing them.