Broughton given top title tune-up by Dan

Manning and Mykey Lee Broughton after Saturday’s win

SLICK Mykey Lee Broughton can look forward to much bigger things after clearing the final obstacle in the way of a major title fight.

On manager Anthony Manning’s show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, Broughton kept sharp with four round points victory over tough Dan “The Monk” Booth.

Now a crack at the English super-lightweight title – the 23-year-old has moved up a division – awaits. Mykey has been named official challenger for champ Yaser Al Ghena’s belt. The fight  has gone to purse bids and Manning wants it in Birmingham.

Broughton doesn’t care where the bout takes place, vowing: “One hundred per cent, I’ll be coming home with the strap.”

Mykey deserves something major. He’s lost only one of 14 – and that came in an epic Midlands title fight with Scott Melvin: a battle he was winning until the dramatic final round.

Booth, who had an 8lb weight advantage – “in boxing, that’s a big difference,” Broughton said – deserves praise for providing the perfect tune-up.

Despite being outpunched, Manchester’s Monk never stopped attempting to force the action. He made Broughton (10st 3lbs) work for his win. He never allowed him to settle.

Booth is a very hard, dogged individual – and he had his moments. In the final round he connected with a right that sent Mykey’s gumshield spinning.

For the vast majority of the contest, however, Broughton pitched and Booth caught.

The visitor trudged forward in the first, while Broughton fired fast jabs and rights to the body. In the second, the Birmingham prospect connected with a solid right uppercut and upped the power. He’d circle the ring, wait for Booth to move in, then unleash the heavy stuff.

The Monk showed more head movement in the third and when Broughton opened up, he stayed with him. A right uppercut – left hook nailed Booth and he immediately hit back with a right hook of his own.

Mykey used the ring in the last, kept the exchanges long and had success with lead uppercuts off the jab.

It’s been a long time coming, but Broughton now has his big opportunity. Booth made sure he’ll go into that one with tools well and truly sharpened.