Mykey so unlucky to lose English title bid

Mykey Lee Broughton….wrong end of 10 round decision at York Hall

THERE are an awful of good, neutral judges who believe Mykey Lee Broughton should today be proud owner of the English and WBO European super-lightweight belts.

Instead, the skilful Birmingham boxer is cursing his luck after dropping a close, controversial decision to Yaser Al Ghena at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Sunday.

As manager Anthony Manning put it: “In regard to energy and emotion, Mykey feels a bit down about boxing.” That’s understandable.

Broughton may also today regret allowing the defending English champ a second-half foothold in a fight he dominated for so long. A 10th and final round rally by Syrian born Al Ghena proved decisive on the cards, all three judges scoring 96-94.

Was that late surge enough to overhaul what Broughton, who bossed the first five rounds, had laid down? Not in my book.

But when you’re fighting the champ on his turf, nothing can be left to doubt.  We now know Broughton really needed to push down on the pedal during those last three minutes, even though it appeared he’d bagged the belts.

Finchley based Al Ghena, now unbeaten in 15, can consider himself a lucky man.

There is a crumb of comfort for 24-year-old Broughton. His performance proved he has developed into a true championship boxer. The bout showcased the strides made since Mykey lost to Scott Melvin for the Midlands lightweight title in 2023.

“He’s definitely going up,” Manning said, “because his stock can only rise. It’s just a shame it’s not rising with the belts in his hands.”

When I caught up with Manning he was more baffled and bewildered by the judges’ arithmetic than angry.

He said: “If I’m being honest, I’ve watched the fight back five times and have Mykey winning 7-3. I’m not going to shout ‘it’s a robbery’, I’m saying I don’t understand the scores that won it for him (Al Ghena).

“I thought Mykey was ahead enough to do enough to win that last round and get the fight over the line.

“A lot of people are saying we were hard done by, a lot of neutral people thought we won the fight. Mykey’s take on it is, you have to win the fight twice.  The scoring really does not tell the story.”

Unfortunately, a rematch appears unlikely.

“They (Al Ghena’s team) are going elsewhere, they’re not interested,” said Manning. “The boxer’s reaction to me was, ‘I’m just a fighter, I don’t score the fights’.”

Manning added: “I think Mykey needs a little rest. He’s 24, he’s been in two 10 rounders. He showed he’s more confident and experienced and, for me, I’d want him out again next week, but I’ve got to manage my expectations.”