Hackney fighter stops Evans to retain unbeaten record
Ken Sellek
Published: 3:29 PM March 18, 2015 Updated: 10:37 AM October 14, 2020
Hackney's Larry Ekundayo beat Dale Evans at York Hall - Credit: Philip Sharkey/TGSPHOTO
Larry 'The Natural' Ekundayo remains unbeaten after defeating Dale Evans in their British title final eliminator at York Hall.
In his ninth professional bout the Hackney welterweight started strongly, trading left-handed jabs with his Welsh opponent.
Evans looked to come forward in an attempt to put pressure on Ekundayo but the 32-year-old responded by throwing a number of excellent counter-punches and his movement made Evans miss his target several times.
Ekundayo continued to control the fight and, in the fifth round, he upped the pace of his attacks and a superb right hook sent Evans to the canvas.
The Welsh fighter managed to rise to his feet and fight on but Ekundayo sensed his chance to bring about a stoppage and unleashed a barrage of punches, pushing Evans back to the ropes.
With Evans unsteady on his legs, referee Marcus McDonnell stepped in to end the contest two minutes and 38 seconds into the fifth round.
Ekundayo said: "I knew my opponent was a good fighter and I had to be fit.
"I made sure I worked hard in the gym to prepare for the fight and my trainer Harry Andrews made sure I did just that. I'd like to thank all my fans who came out to support me."
Ohara Davies will fight on foreign soil for the first time as a professional in Rostock, Germany this Saturday when he takes on Poland's Jacek Wylezol.
The unbeaten Hackney lightweight has stopped four of his five opponents inside the distance since making his debut in April 2014 and will be looking to impress on the undercard of the huge world title show, where Juergen Braehmer defends his WBA world light- heavyweight title against Robin Krasniqi.
Davies said: "I feel great and I am really excited about fighting in Germany.
"I want German fight fans to remember me as a skilful, exciting fighter to watch. I want to leave that impression on them."