Leybourne outpoints an elusive opponent

Leybourne catches up with Sampson. Picture: Stephen Webb/BCB

WARREN Leybourne’s second pro outing provided the heavy-hitting novice with a very different test than his debut.

In September, Josh Morris elected to trade with the Coventry 26-year-old. He was stopped, somewhat bizarrely, in three.

On Sunday afternoon, on BCB’s bill at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, Karl Sampson was on the move for the entire four rounds, covering every inch of the ring, bounding from side to side.

The Sheffield journeyman, taking part in his 72nd contest, could’ve well clocked-up a half-marathon during the 12 minutes of action.

Even if armed with a slingshot loaded with rice, Leybourne would’ve struggled to catch him cleanly.

My notes for the third state: “Sampson in full retreat”. “Sampson on the run for entire three minutes,” I scribbled at the end of the fourth.

To his credit, tall Leybourne (10st 4lbs) remained composed, kept stalking behind his jab and registered a whitewash 40-36 victory on referee Peter McCormack’s card.

Afterwards, Leybourne told me: “Even in the amateurs I never had someone moving like that. It’s all part of the education – learning to cut the ring off, trying to stop someone like that from moving.

“The times I did get him, he was just too good at moving. The main thing was keeping my shape, not getting frustrated and landing my shots without getting hit, which I succeeded in doing.”

He added: “I didn’t expect someone to be moving like that in the pros. I knew it wasn’t just ‘sit and hit’, I thought it was more, ‘do your work, move, do your work, move’.”

With Sampson (10st 3lbs) it was more just ‘move’.

I’m not, however, questioning Karl’s bravery – he did what he needed to survive. And anyone who enters the ring to Spice Girls’ hit “Wannabe” has to possess courage.

Leybourne jabbed well and in the second landed two rights that sent Sampson careering into the ropes. Warren also got through with a right to the body.

Sampson did get close and threw some cuffing shots  before again getting on his bike.

As the bout wore on Leybourne concentrated on the body more. Two hefty rights slammed against Sampson’s flanks, then Warren banged-in a left to the head, right and left to the ribs.

Sampson was lectured for holding in the last and then kept his distance until the final bell.

Of the future, Leybourne said: “Eventually I want to go for the area title – that’s my goal. At present, I just want to get more experience.

“The crowd was a little less than for my debut, but it was still the same energy. I really appreciate their support.”