Bethell ignores the clowning to take win
Bethell hammers home those body shots. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB
WOLVERHAMPTON ticket-seller Brandon Bethell, a fighter followed by a loud gold and black fanbase, shrugged off the clowning of Josh Morris to hammer out a wide six round decision.
And on BCB’s title show at WV Active, Aldersley, on Friday night, Morris did more than his share of showboating.
He even loudly joined in the terrace anthems during the bout and earned a ticking off from referee Ryan Churchill after raucously indulging in an anti-Baggies chant.
Morris’ antics infuriated one section of Bethell’s banner waving fans who gesticulated at him. He didn’t care, staring deadpan into the sea of angry faces.
Southpaw Morris, from Wednesbury, is a far better fighter than his patchy records suggests. But he told me before facing Midlands junior-lightweight champ Bethell his preparation had not been up-to-scratch.
He didn’t appear to take the bout too seriously, prodding out shots and playing to the crowd. He was never in danger and, apart from reddened flanks, emerged from the 60-54 whitewash loss unmarked.
Bethell, who entered the ring to Wolves classic Hi Ho Silver Lining, cannot be judged on this performance, although the 24-year-old should be applauded for ignoring the theatricals and sticking to the game plan.
The game plan was to cut off the ring and hammer hooks to Morris’ ribs. He did that effectively.
It was something of a Wanderers chief support with Morris (10st 5lbs) entering the ring wearing the famous football shirt. After being pinned against the ropes, he broke free to fans’ rendition of “Walkin in a Winter Wonderland” and was again in full voice in the second.
Morris was given a stern warning at the start of the third, then took a hard left to the body as Bethell (10st 5lbs) looked to up the pressure.
He was hit by three left hooks to the ribs in quick succession in the fourth, then danced around the ring before being forced to the ropes in the fifth.
Morris showed more ambition in the last, although Bethell took the round.
He gave Brandon rounds, with more preparation and notice, he could’ve given him an argument.