Seedhouse uncorks a sizzling pro debut

Seedhouse lets the punches fly against Duran. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

A BUTCHER by day, Callum Seedhouse put his opponent through the meat-grinder in a sizzling pro debut at Wolverhampton’s Hangar Venue last night (Friday).

On BCB’s bill, the former fine amateur showed quick-fire hand speed and worked Fernando Duran’s flanks as if tenderising a steak.

After four quality rounds dominated by the Great Wyrley super-feather, referee Kevin Parker scored a 40-36 whitewash.

In an age of fighters making their ringwalks to a soundtrack of blaring rap music, I have respect for any man who selects an Abba track for his entrance. Poker-faced Duran predictably stepped through the ropes to classic hit “Fernando”.

That respect increased with each barrage the Honduran, a 55 fight veteran, endured.

“He’s a very hard man,” Seedhouse, part of Richard Carter’s Wolverhampton gym, acknowledged afterwards. That he is.

“There were times I hit him and I knew he felt it, but he took it.”

At 19, Seedhouse has “turned over” early after a trophy laden amateur career. The list of honours include national titles at junior and youth level, a youth tri-nations gold, four boxcup victories and six Midlands titles.

Against Duran, he oozed the quality shown by that unpaid CV.

Duran (9st 11lbs) copped rights to the body from the get-go and, by the second, was pinned against the ropes and taking left hooks downstairs as Seedhouse (9st 8lbs) switched to southpaw.

Fernando stumbled after a heavy body shot in the third and that was the signal for Callum to let both hands go. He kept-up the relentless pressure and fast-pace throughout the final three minutes.

The morning after an impressive pro baptism, Seedhouse was back at the butchers business where he’s employed.

Judging by Friday night’s performance, he looks a cut above many other prospects in the Black Country.