Tearful Evitts seals an emotional victory

Evitts and Preston let their hands go. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

CRADLEY Heath welter Sam Evitts wept uncontrollably as they tolled boxing’s traditional 10 bells tribute to his brother.

It was an emotional moment that touched everyone in attendance at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton, for BCB’s Saturday night show.

Evitts could’ve pulled out, but decided to fight on to honour the memory of 37-year-old brother Anthony, tragically killed in a fall only weeks earlier.

And Anthony, an ever present at the 29-year-old’s bouts, would’ve been proud of the performance given by Sam under circumstances that were beyond difficult. Taking part in his second pro outing, Evitts fought aggressively to outpoint Wordsley’s Khya Preston in a spirited Black Country derby, referee Ryan Churchill scoring 39-37.

After it, Evitts posted on social media: “I really hope I done my brother proud last night. What a fight it was - just what I needed after everything that’s been going on. I was a bit nervous for this one.”

Sam, who entered the pro ranks without fanfare after 15 amateur bouts, pressed the action from first bell behind jabs and right hands. But Preston, with only one win in 12, played his part in a good little battle. He refused to be bullied and always tried to bang back. Khya simply couldn’t match his opponent’s workrate.

The fourth proved the best session of the contest, with Evitts jabbing well and connecting with a stiff right – only for Preston to blaze back.

Both really opened up down the stretch, punching away with both hands and paying scant regard to defence. The last was possibly the round Mr Churchill gave to Preston.

Evitts wanted the bout to be a tribute to Anthony. Both fighters made sure it was a fitting tribute.