Midlands Mayhem Fight Report
Words – Jack Heather
Pictures – Manjit Narotra
Zach Evans-Petar Aleksandrov
Zachary Evans made a statement in only his second professional outing as he forced a maiden TKO victory, stopping the experienced Petar Aleksandrov.
Evans topped the bill on BCB’s Midlands Mayhem at Dudley Town Hall and made sure to send his supporters home in a timely fashion.
The 25-year-old welterweight made short work of the typically tough Aleksandrov, with the Bulgarian unable to answer the bell for the third round.
The Droitwich-based boxer had landed a neatly disguised left hook to the body at the end of the second which visibly hurt Aleksandrov, who decided enough was enough in between rounds.
The Cannock-born Evans is a relative novice in pro boxing but a 30-fight kickboxing career and 17-fight amateur record have provided the foundations for his success thus far.
The BCB promotions-managed fighter is based out of Priory Amateur Boxing Club, which is a stone’s throw from the venue of his two professional triumphs.
Evans has previously stated his eagerness to stay active in 2023 and hopes to fight twice more this year.
Paige Goodyear-Ester Konecna
Sedgley’s Paige Goodyear made a successful return to the ring after an eight-month absence, defeating familiar foe Ester Konecna at Dudley Town Hall.
Goodyear previously bested Konecna over four rounds back in October and ran out the winner once more, this time over six rounds.
The Black Country native captained England as an amateur and secured bronze at the 2018 Youth World Championships before making the jump into the paid ranks last year.
The 22-year-old super welterweight has had to endure a lack of activity thus far in 2023 but dusted off the cobwebs with ease and moved to 3-0 in front of a hometown crowd.
Konecna did provide some resistance though and even nicked two of the rounds of referee Ryan Churchill’s scorecard.
Goodyear was not to be denied though as she landed the cleaner work throughout the contest and was declared the 58-56 winner.
Ryan Griffiths-Karl Sampson
Ryan Griffiths moved to 2-0 in familiar surroundings as he defeated Karl Sampson on BCB’s Midlands Mayhem at Dudley Town Hall.
The venue is not only the scene of Griffiths’ maiden pro triumph, but it is also only a short walk from his home.
The 22-year-old outpointed Sheffield’s Sampson after four rounds at welterweight in front of his supporters live on BCB’s YouTube channel.
Referee Ryan Churchill scored the contest 39-38, with Griffiths edging out his countrymen by a single round.
Sampson provided a step up in competition for the former kickboxing champion after Griffiths won every round against Paul Cummings on his pro debut.
Griffiths started his combat sports journey in kickboxing, securing a WKU Commonwealth title along the way, before making the switch to boxing in recent years.
Liam Gould -Paul Cummings
Liam Gould continued the perfect start to his professional career as he outpointed 78-fight veteran Paul Cummings over four rounds at Dudley Town Hall.
Gould was yet to lose a round in the paid ranks and continued that trend, winning every round on referee Ryan Churchill’s scorecard.
The 24-year-old hurt Cummings numerous times throughout the contest, most notably in the opening round with a straight right hand.
The super welterweight was also keen to showcase his boxing ability and continued to land combinations to both body and head throughout the contest.
The Tipton-based boxer is a switch hitter and regularly combined both stances with ease, landing an eye-catching left hand from the southpaw stance midway through the third.
Gould trains out of Gymmies Fitness and Boxing Gym under the guidance of his uncle and former pro, Jimmy Gould.
Now 4-0, the Black Country native has likely completed his four-round apprenticeship and will move up to the six-round distance in his next outing.
Kane Baker-MJ Hall
Birmingham’s Kane Baker celebrated his 30th professional outing with a win, outpointing centurion MJ Hall over four rounds at Dudley Town Hall.
Baker picked up the win on BCB’s Midlands Mayhem, winning every round on referee Ryan Churchill’s scorecard, improving his record to 19-1-10.
The 32-year-old lost a controversial decision to undefeated Matchroom prospect Jordan Flynn last time out on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s most recent outing.
Despite ultimately coming up short, many felt like the former Midlands Champion had done enough to have his hand raised and his stock rose as a result.
It was a routine victory for the Bartley Green-born boxer who will now have his eyes on more difficult assignments before the year is out.
