Young sees off Walker challenge (From Swindon Advertiser)

Young sees off Walker challenge

6:40am Monday 5th December 2011 in Boxing

KELVIN Young claimed his 10th win since trading in his vest with a determined and polished points success over durable Sheffield veteran Dean Walker at the Olympiad in Chippenham on Saturday, writes PETE FOLEY.

It was the second time the pair had met and the 24-year-old Swindonian was even more dominant in this encounter than the previous meeting.

He was quickly into his stride and set to work landing solid shots with both fists of a precise and fluent jab.

Walker, having his 50th professional contest, did not have the hand speed to match his rival and Young could take everything he had to offer in his stride.

A clash of heads during the fourth round opened a cut on the edge of the Swindon fighter’s right eyebrow, but the wound - later requiring a couple of stitches - was easily controlled by the corner.

Young seems to mature with every ring assignment and this latest six-round success, following his capture of the International Masters middleweight belt in the previous outing at the Oasis, simply adds to his credentials.

But he remains level-headed and is happy to take it one fight at a time.

Young said: “I boxed Dean last April so knew what was in store.

“He is a tough nut to crack and at times it felt like I was pummelling into a tank.

“But in that situation it is important to retain your composure and not do anything rash to leave yourself exposed and give your rival the advantage.

“Now I have some time to enjoy Christmas with the family before charting out next year’s campaign.”

That will probably include an assignment in Devon before returning to box in Wiltshire during the spring.

It proved to be a successful night for the Horseshoe Gym contingent.

Former Penhill amateur Steve Mullins claimed his second pro success over Trowbridge debutant Dan Blackwell, the 18-year-old younger brother of Nick, who defends his English middleweight belt later this month.

He was always the more agile and inventive of the pair and his resolute guard gave his rival few opportunities to make any impression.

It was a textbook performance, illustrating how to thwart a young and more impulsive opponent.

Mullins added: “Dan was exactly what I expected, looking to launch big shots in my direction from the bell.

“But in doing that he left gaps in his armour and I used it to my advantage.”

Southpaw Danny Carter claimed his second success since trading in his vest with a points victory over Trowbridge’s Dan Carr.

And fellow light welterweight Daza Usher gained a debut points verdict over Sid Razak.

Two more new recruits to the paid ranks saw their arms lifted in triumph - lightweight Mike Biggs outpointed Nuneaton southpaw Kristian Laight and former Bath Academy rugby player Mike Rose won his middleweight clash with Westbury’s Aaron Fox.

Light-welterweight Chris Higgs came out on top against Jason Nesbitt, who reached the impressive landmark of 150 contests when he climbed through the ropes at the Olympiad.