Collins boxes smart to subdue Karami
Collins let the punches go against Karami. Pictures: Manjit Narotra/BCB
A TITLE opportunity cannot be too far away for tall light-heavy Ben Collins.
The popular Stourbridge fighter looked sharp in outpointing rugged Bahadur Karami on BCB’s Saturday show at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton.
Karami, born in Iran, based in Manchester, has a face that betrays his style – nose flattened, eyes hooded. The 34-year-old veteran of 60 bouts likes to drag prospects into brawls. Given the opportunity, he can be a nuisance, even a danger.
“Pumpkin” Collins (12st 6lbs) never gave Karami the opportunity. The 22-year-old stuck to the basics, firing stiff jabs and sharp one-twos. Ben has fast hands.
In the second Karami (12st 11lbs) kicked his heels and grinned as Collins’ combinations connected. By the third, he was attempting to bull the prospect back.
In the fourth and final round, he stepped up a gear, throwing swinging shots, forcing the action. Referee Pete McCormack gave him a share of that session, scoring 40-37. I thought Karami took that round on sheer endeavour.
That’s six wins out of seven for Ben who is within touching distance of a Midlands title shot.
Williams delivers a chopping right hook on way to win over Swallow
Willenhall’s Regan Williams is making pleasing progress in the pros.
That was underlined by the middleweight’s shutout points win over Lancashire’s Jack Swallow, the first time William has travelled six rounds.
A fire fighter by day, Williams provided more smoke for this, his third outing. He was aggressive, worked the body well and remained compact when Swallow (11st 8lbs) attempted to swing back in the last round.
The 25-year-old (11st 9lbs) jabbed well in the opener, drove lefts to the body in the second and cranked up the pressure with each session. He caught Swallow with a lovey uppercut in the fourth.
Swallow showed more ambition in the last – by then, it was too little, too late.
On social media, Williams posted: “Good win and first six rounder last night with a tough lad, good test, building with experience for some big fights to come.”