Denton Vassell vs. Bethuel Ushona & Matty Askin vs. Neil Dawson RBR

About to start.

 

First up, Askin vs. Dawson.

Undefeated cruiserweights vying for a regional (UK) title.

 

Round 1

Askin is a bit more assertive with his jab as both get a feel for each other. Dawson lunging with rights and falling short. He's got height and reach but not using it well in the opening minute. Askin gets nearly thumbed in the right eye while slipping a Dawson left hook. Askin is keeping his distance, and Dawson not pursuing much. BIG 1-2 by Askin charging forward. Right hand by Askin, slamming into Dawson's guard. Dawson still lunging with his right hand and sort of clumsily pitching forward behind it. Dawson is terrible at fighting tall, is my initial impression. Double jab to the body by Dawson. Askin stays in front of him, not punching. Dawson keeps starting to move forward but pulling back, nervous. Askin isn't even feinting. A couple of jabs from Askin. They both hook wide and clasp together. A bit of infighting. They break and clinch again, with some wrestling...Dawson gets Askin in a choke. :yep

Not much to choose from.

10-9 Askin

 

:?

I always do a General Forum RBR for Sky fights.

I know there's always a thread in the British Forum, but...honestly the average Yank doesn't really ever go in there.

I'm just doing my part and spreading the gospel. More people need to get into British domestic-level boxing! :bbb It produces some good stuff!

 

Round 2

Dawson is very tentative, leaning back even when throwing but not what you'd call "good upper body movement" - just sort of an instinctive involuntary lean back. Askin is coming in straight and low, using some well aligned jabs and rights. Dawson more effective grabbing than hitting. Dawson does land a left hook as Askin is diving inside. Lots of clinching. Askin hooks high as Dawson starts letting his hands go. Dawson grazes Askin with a right hand and then bangs the body when they come together. Dawson thrusts his jab and backs Askin up. Double jab by Dawson and right cross to the body. Askin jabs, and Dawson throws a combo.

One round apiece.

19-19

 

Round 3

Dawson lands a significant right hand, but other than that it's a whole lot of clinching in the first minute. Dawson is flapping out jabs and rights, not terribly tidy but busy and with emphasis. Askin giving this round away. Askin loads up on a big right hand that thuds into Dawson's bicep. His corner talks it up big, yelling "good work!" to try and spur him on. Very little urgency from Askin. Dawson beats him in an exchange, blocking and body punching. Askin circles left and just watches Dawson. Lunging jab from Askin hits Dawson on the chin as the taller man backs straight up, but that's about it for Askin offensively in the last minute.

29-28 Dawson

 

Round 4

Dawson is starting to learn on the job how to use his height, greeting Askin with booming right hands down the middle. Askin is tying to find angles to get in, swatting with his jab and resorting to lunging in to grab. Dawson backs him up with jab-fakes. Clinch. Lead right hand grazes Askin on the chin. Askin answers with a BIG left hook as Dawson's turning, and Dawson goes headlong into the ropes.

That might have stolen it. :think Best punch of the night. (on this card, that is :yep)

38-38

 

Round 5

Dawson is still just busier. He isn't very sharp at all but puts everything together as best he can and it's enough to keep Askin quiet. Jabs, uppercuts, pretty much everything coming from Dawson at long range (until Askin wedges himself in for a clinch). All wide and sloppy, but consistent. Nothing from Askin. Only in the clinch is he working his right hand to the body. HUGE overhand right by Askin, just clipped Dawson. So does a stiff snappy jab that cracks Dawson's head back on a rubberneck. Big right hand from Askin driving forward. He leans on Dawson against the ropse. Jab into the face of Dawson and before he can answer it's a clinch. Another BIG right hand lead by Askin. Dawson wobbles and bends over into a clinch. WHAM! Left hook behind the head of Dawson as he ducks forward. Surprised that didn't put him down, tbh (even though it wasn't flush. His balance was horrible).

3-2 Askin

 

Dawson's face already looks like that of a mugging victim.

 

I take it that's the guy who isn't Jim Watt?

Yeah, he's OK. :good