Neale razor sharp in gaining second win

Luke Neale…Birmingham feather on a quest to win pro titles

MY first look at Birmingham feather Luke Neale revealed a fighter with very fast hands and pleasing style.

His appearance at the Excelsior Sporting Club, Cannock, on Thursday night did not expose the explosive power those at Eastside gym assure me he possesses. Neale looked more a very accurate, stinging hitter.

But then opponent Michael Mooney, a true Worcester warrior, knows all about defusing bombs. He’s gained every survival trick in the book during a 147 bout career.

Perhaps the fact the 41-year-old refrained from his customary showboating repertoire, used the ring and kept things long is an indicator of the power Neal possesses.

In picking up his second pro win in a month, Neale, from Winson Green, shone. He stayed focused, didn’t waste shots and took every session of the four rounder, 40-36 on referee Kevin Parker’s card.

He could be one to watch. Eastside’s Paul “Soggy” Counihan was rightly pleased with the performance. “He boxed really good,” Paul said. “Getting in the four rounds was invaluable – you get a lot more than taking someone out in one or two.

“We want to get Luke five or six fights, then next year look at titles, this time next year we’ll definitely be looking for them.”

Neale’s win was built behind a fast jab and sharp right to the body. Mooney (10st 2lbs) kept on the move, used the ring, but simply couldn’t match his opponent’s speed. Basically, youth was served.

By the second Luke (9st 7lbs) was working the body with both hands, then connected with a right to the head.

That hard jab was being doubled in the third, the clusters followed by right hooks downstairs. He opened up in the last, though Mooney, nicked on the left cheek, was never in serious trouble. Boxing’s self-styled “Mad Man” is still not entertaining retirement; he will continue to test the new breed of hopefuls for some time yet.

“I boxed my best, showed what I can do,” Neale said. “My shots were quick and sharp, but I still have a lot to learn.”

He wants to busy, declaring: “Get me out, get me out – I know I have a lot of potential. I want to start pushing for titles as soon as I can – just keep bringing the work in, keep me sharp. I’ve been boxing since I was 13, it’s been a long journey.”