It’s time for Baker to take the title step-up

Conor Baker…superb left hand work. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

CONOR Baker displayed some mightily impressive lead hand work on his way to six round shut-out victory over Karl Sampson on Friday night.

ON BCB’s WV Active Aldersley show, the Tipton super-lightweight gave a text-book performance to take referee Chris Dean’s 60-54 decision.

And Sheffield’s Sampson is no slouch, despite losing many more than he’s won in over 70 contests. He’s tough and has experience against some of the best on the domestic scene. He comes to fight.

On this display, 28-year-old Baker, now unbeaten in seven, is maturing as a pro. I’ve watched him in the past and thought some of the work was rushed: Sampson (10st 2lbs) attempted to ruffle his feathers, Conor remained calm.

A little picky, but maybe Baker, a very impressive physical specimen at 10st 3lbs, relied a little too much on his left hand.

But if something works, why change it?

Baker established superiority behind a hard, snapping jab in the first and second. That punch proved decisive all night – Sampson turned southpaw, yet couldn’t find a way past the lead.

He had some success in the fourth, working away to the body, but was caught cleanly by left hooks.

A lovely right uppercut nailed Sampson in the last and the visitor used the ring, attempted to keep things at distance until the bell sounded.

Baker is ready for a Midlands title fight, he needs a Midlands title fight sooner rather than later. He and reigning 10st champ Minaaz Gurung would be an absolute barnstormer.