Boxers Andy Townend and Ross Blackwell cannot look forward to an enjoyable Christmas with manager Stefy Bull already planning their next fights for early in 2018.
The pair both won on Bull's promotion at the Doncaster Dome last Saturday – but have greater tests of their credentials already pencilled in so won't be indulging too much over the break.
Lightweight Townend, 28, a former amateur of the Hard and Fast ABC in Cudworth, beat Hartlepool's Peter Cope for a second time with a commanding fifth-round stoppage.That result potentially sets up a British title eliminator against Rotherham's Atif Shafiq. Southpaw Cope, who could only last four rounds with Townend last time, was given a first-round count from a right hand then was obliterated in the fifth – going down three times before referee Mark Lyson called it off.
A frustrated Cope landed more punches on the canvas in frustration at being put down than he did on Townend who bided his time well before finishing off the job.Townend will now feature alongside promotional stablemate Josh Wale who defends his British bantamweight title at Ponds Forge on February 2 against Lincoln's Bobby Jenkinson.
Bull said: "Andy has got the beating of everyone on his day. Atif's style is all wrong for him but, at the level he's at, you've got to find a way to win. It would be a local derby and a great spectacle on television."
Townend added: "It went OK. I took my time and boxed. I know that it only takes one punch so I was patient."
Welterweight Blackwell, 25, shook off some more ring rust with a 40-37 victory against Newark's tough Fonz Alexander. Blackwell, who made his professional ring return after a six-year break in October, made it back-to-back victories under Bull after finding his range early and throwing a greater volume. Bull intends to step him up to keep him busy and he is booked to fight on his next show at the Doncaster Dome on February 24.
Bull said: "Ross is easing his way back in. I know that he would like a six-rounder but I think we will look to give him a couple more first."
Darfield's former British champion Robbie Barrett will also return on that show in a ten-rounder with Ellesmere Port's Matty Fagan.
"It's a hard fight for Robbie but he is at that level," said Bull.
"We will all get straight back to work in the gym and it's full steam ahead for next year."
