Dennis McCann vs. Ionut Baluta & Nathaniel Collins vs. Raza Hamza RBR.

Go on Dennis lad.

 

Round 1: McCann 10-9

Baluta looks unsteady and has lost his balance several times during round 1. It will be intriguing to see how he deals with McCann’s southpaw stance. McCann might be better off boxing at range as Baluta keeps falling over his feet as he looks to step in and throw. McCann landed a few nice straight lefts, but Baluta did have his moments.

Baluta is wide open for an uppercut or hook around the guard as he steps in over his feet. I reckon McCann could find it soon.

 

The Menace looked great in that opener

 

Round 1: McCann 10-9
Round 2: Baluta 10-9

19-19

Both fighters have had their successes landing their backhands. Baluta landed some nice shots towards the end of the round. He looks more comfortable now and isn’t falling over his feet as he was in round 1.

 

Shaping up to be a very entertaining fight here

 

McCann having to dig deep already

 

Cracking fight this.

 

Cracking fight so far

 

Round 1: McCann 10-9
Round 2: Baluta 10-9
Round 3: Baluta 10-9

29-28 Baluta

Baluta backs McCann to the ropes throwing a flurry of punches. And the referee steps in harshly for some reason to stop Baluta stepping forward, buying McCann some time to recover. Huge left hand from McCann and the Brit is struggling here not throwing much.

McCann looks extremely tired. I reckon there could be a riot in York Hall if Baluta wins. It’s a shame they made this 10 rounds and not 12. McCann needed the round well landing some nice straight shots to the body.

 

Let's go Baluta, great round

 

Baluta has a tendency to push even the best guys to their limits. Remember he beat TJ Doheny fresh off of a very narrow title unification loss with Danny Roman that many scored to him. Plus another good Irish scalp in David Oliver Joyce, top British prospects Andrew Cain & Brad Foster and a very narrow loss to Conlan means you can never sleep on him. At European level he's very dangerous in particular.

 

The lad needs this kind of challenge at this stage of his career

So far so good and he isn't buckling

 

McCann is a KO waiting to happen when he steps up the levels

 

This is a banger!

 

YORK HALL CLASSIC!