Wilson-Bent’s thirst for a tear-up proves so costly in title fight

River Wilson-Bent...pondering big decisions after Thompson loss

RIVER Wilson-Bent and those around him will this morning be pondering the future following the fighter’s stoppage to Shakiel Thompson.

Last night, the Coventry middle rolled the dice. He attempted to take Thompson’s IBF European and WBO Global titles in the savage Sheffield puncher’s own backyard.

River fought with trademark courage at Park Community Arena, but was overwhelmed in three rounds.

A fighter to the soles of his boxing boots, he attempted to fight fire with fire and punch it out with a ferocious hitter. He got burnt by a man now unbeaten in 13 with nine stoppages.

At 30 and with a succession of hard fights behind him, the possibility that was River’s last performance cannot be dismissed.

If so, River – one of the game’s true gents – can look back with pride on a career that has brought big titles and contests against big names on big shows.

The father-of-two has provided fans with thrills and spills.

If he continues, River must accept he will be nursed at a lower level.

In the aftermath, manager Jon Pegg said: “He went for a shoot-out too early. You want your boxers to have that spirit to want to have a fight, but everyone knows they have to temper it and hold it back.

“Brendan Norman (River’s trainer) had a really good plan and River had done it in sparring. But he can’t help himself, even when’s he’s in with a puncher.”

And Thompson, dubbed Dr Steel, can certainly bang. Wilson-Bent went into the 10 rounder brim-full of confidence. He argued the gulf in experience – that was his 24th contest – would be decisive. He had faced much better opposition. He had been to the dark places championship boxing can take you.

When the talking stopped, it was southpaw Thompson’s raw power that won the day.

The champ began to unload in the second and one big left sent the Sky Blue hope sprawling in a corner. River rose on disobedient legs to take the standing count before the bell came to his rescue.

It was a short reprieve.

A superb right hook dropped River for seven at the start of the next session – and then his unquenchable courage kicked in.

He attempted to blaze back, traded blows, connected with a big body shot and was then bowled over by another right.

Still Wilson-Bent hurled punches in a show of near unbelievable bravery. Another right hand that appeared to land on the back of the neck sent River spilling to the canvas and after administering a standing count, referee Michael Alexander signalled the end. Only two seconds of the third remained, but it was the correct decision.

“I’ll have a chat with River and see what he wants to do,” Pegg said. “Whatever he wants to do, I’ll put my energies and efforts into it and ensure whatever he wants to do is done safely.

“If he wants to retire, that’s fine. He’s had a great career, been a champion, faced big names and been on huge shows. If he wants one more, I’ll make sure it’s in his own city.

“If he wants to continue, he has to accept it will be at a lower level for some time. It’s his decision, this is all about him.

“A loss at a higher level doesn’t mean it’s over. If every boxer retired after stepping up a level and falling short all we’d be left with is Instagram boxers afraid of fighting anybody.

“We will sit down and, if River wants to continue, I’ll make sure it’s done safely and surely.”