Littlechild, Howells - a barnstormer battle
Sam Littlechild…looks a very exciting addition to the pro ranks
SAM Littlechild, a sawn-off slab of sinew and muscle, will be known as “The Juggernaut” in the professional ranks.
It’s a nickname well chosen. The 26-year-old is built like a tank: actually, make that a proverbial brick outhouse.
And fans following the boxer’s journey are in for an exciting ride judging by his pulsating debut victory over Lewis Howells on Saturday at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.
He was, at times, reckless and open, but carries lights-out power. Littlechild, from Tamworth but now living in Dunfermline, looks one of those “take three to land one” types. He only needs one.
He can certainly build a fanbase from across the length and breadth of Britain. Littlechild also has strong family links to Jersey.
Howells can walk away with his head held high after dropping a 39-36 decision on referee Chris Dean’s card.
I thought an early night loomed after the Welshman, now living in Stratford-upon-Avon, was dropped in the first. Yet he fought back and produced the better boxing.
Howells, a former top amateur, is a very brave, tough man.
He thought his more accurate work should’ve been rewarded with a win. Jon Pegg, who manages both boxers, felt a draw would’ve been a fair result. Littlechild’s corner had no doubt their man did enough.
That is opinion. The reality is neither man competed at the weight where they can be most effective.
Littlechild, a product of Birmingham’s respected 2nd City gym, scaled 12st 10lbs. He lacks the height to compete against cruiserweights.
Howells, aged 28, weighed 12st 6lbs. He is not a light-heavy and has the ability to make a mark among the middleweights.
Lewis Howells…a very tough, brave man in a very tough sport
Pegg said: “Sam is not big enough for the weight, Lewis can do something at middle. We thought the fight was 38-38 – the last round was close, but Sam nicked it. He outworked him.”
Let’s make no mistake, Lewis, who has now won three and lost three, represented a demanding test for Littlechild. He was a Welsh international, he’s fought on major televised bills.
And he gave the debutant an edge-of-the seat argument. Littlechild bulled forward from the first bell, looking for the heavy shots that could close the show spectacularly.
He found one mid-way through the opening round, a hefty right dropping Howells as if shot. He rose at three and bowed at the waist as Mr Dean tolled the rest of the count.
I felt the end was night, but underestimated Howells’ reserves of courage. He withstood a big left to the body and grinned through his gumshield as Littlechild swung in search of the finisher.
Despite that crisis, Howells pieced together his boxing in the second. Another big body shot brought a sickly smile to his face, but he connected with enough jabs to bloody Littlechild’s nose. That, I think, was the round he won on Mr Dean’s card.
The template for battle had been set: Howells looking to pick-off the beast before him, Littlechild intent on hurling grenades.
For Littlechild, the professional journey has begun with a bang. We’re in for some exciting nights.
For Howells, it is a time to rebuild after his third defeat on the spin. He showed on Saturday he has the tools to make an impact, but not at light-heavyweight.