There was a shock at the top of the bill as Northampton’s Dempsey Madden suffered defeat at the fists of Estonia’s Dmitri Protkunas.
Welterweight Madden stepped up to six rounds against Protkunas at the top of BCB Promotions’ Friday Fight Night at the Park Inn, Northampton.
‘The Mauler’ looked fit and strong and, after a close opener, took the second convincingly.
He was in control of the fight in the third when Protkunas caught him with a stiff hook that startled Madden. Smelling blood, Protkunas jumped on the 31 year-old and landed five thudding rights that saw referee Kevin Parker wave the contest off.
It was a surprise result but Madden, visibly upset, will come again.
The five other home fighters faired better.
Bedford’s Michael Stephenson opened the show against Liverpool based Lithuanian Genadij Krajevski.
The 29 year-old super middleweight stalked his opponent and caught the Baltic Bomber with some heavy shots as this four rounder progressed.
Ringside Referee Kevin Parker scored this one 40-36 with Trainee Referee Ryan Churchill doing a sterling job in ring.
Northampton’s Kai Church debuted at super lightweight against the ever tough Brett Fidoe.
Church used his height advantage to good effect as he kept the dangerous Fidoe at bay. Once again Parker scored this one 40-36 with Churchill overseeing the action in the ring.
Fellow super lightweight Ben Vaughan stepped into the unknown as he took on Manchester debutant, Liam Fox.
Northampton’s Vaughan worked his way through the gears and did a job on his brave-as-a-lion opponent. Fox dug in and saw the final bell despite touching the canvass in the third after a number of heavy body shots. This coupled with another 10-8 round where Vaughan was totally dominant saw referee Kevin Parker score this one 40-34.
Sam Daly put in a measured and composed performance on his homecoming.
The Northampton super welterweight fought his opening two pro bouts on the road but returned to his hometown against Angel Emilov.
Daly showed his class against the battled hardened Bulgarian to claim a 39-38 win.
Another debutant, Nic Michael, stepped in against Birmingham’s Reiss ‘Showy’ Taylor.
It was a ‘welcome to the pros’ fight for Michael as Taylor tied him up and made him miss at every opportunity. Credit to the Northampton super flyweight though who stuck to his game plan.
Michael took the first three rounds with Taylor coming on strong in the final round. Parker scored this one 39-37 with Churchill between the ropes.
