Frampton and Conlan edge closer to 2021 title shots with convincing wins at York Hall
Bethnal Green's iconic York Hall had a makeover last night for the ring-return of former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton (28 - 2) as he took on Darren Traynor (16 - 4).
It's no secret that Frampton, whose career is now entering its twilight years, is chasing a title shot in the hopes of becoming a world champion again before hanging up the gloves.
With a potential match-up against WBO champion Jamel Herring on the cards, Frampton will have been coming into this one looking to make a statement and show that he still has what it takes to compete at world level.
In a week that had already given us a couple of notable upsets with Maxi Hughes ruining the party for Jono Carrol and Rachel Ball ending Shannon Courtenay's unbeaten streak, Traynor could have been forgiven if he'd dared to dream of upsetting the odds against Frampton.
However, despite giving a good account of himself in the early rounds, having previously not fought anywhere close to Frampton's level, Traynor found himself comprehensively outclassed by the Northern Irishman.
'The Jackal', who hadn't fought since December of last year, looked a touch rusty as he settled into the fight, winning the rounds, but perhaps not as cleanly as he might have liked.
In the 6th, Frampton showed his class, landing a perfectly placed body shot that sent Traynor to the canvas. It looked as though the fight was over, but Traynor bravely climbed to his feet as the bell rang out to end the round.
As they came out for the 7th the writing was on the wall for Traynor. He did all he could to protect his body but was unable to prevent Frampton from finding the target with another sickening shot that forced him to call it a day.
Although some will have expected Frampton to end things sooner, the rounds will have done him good after such a long lay off and the emphatic stoppage win will mean that the Jamel Herring showdown is still very much on.
In chief support, also making his first appearance since lockdown was standout-amateur turned professional superstar-in-the-making, Michael Conlan.
Conlan (14 - 0) put his unbeaten record on the line over 10 rounds against experienced campaigner Sofiane Takoucht (35 - 5 - 1).
Conlan wasted no time on trying to feel out his opponent, instead, getting straight to work on digging in hurtful body shots - several of which strayed low resulting in not one but two point deductions.
Despite, the low blows it was a dominant performance from Conlan who looked a level above even when largely abandoning his body-work for fear of disqualification.
Takoucht looked ready to go on several occasions, but with Conlan having to show caution when going to the body, he was able to survive to the tenth. Unfortunately for Takoucht though, the final bell never came.
Conlan landed a perfect body shot that forced Takoucht to drop his hands and allow Conlan to land the big head-shots that prompted the referee to step in.
It was a solid performance from Conlan who looked on top of his game at a period when some fighters seem to be struggling with the post-lockdown return to the ring.
Takoucht deserves a lot of credit for sticking in there as long as he did. Although able to offer little in terms of offence he showed an immense amount of heart to make it to the 10th after Conlan's excellent (and occasionally illegal) body-work.
Elsewhere on the card -
Archie Sharp (19 - 0 - 0) vs Jeff Ofori (10 - 3 - 1)
10 rounds at Lightweight
Winner - Archie Sharp (96 - 95)
An off-night for Archie Sharp who just about clings on to his unbeaten record against a very game Jeff Ofori. It wasn't at all pretty, with Ofori making a real fight of it, but despite being far from his usual form Sharp did enough to get the nod.
Troy Williamson (15 - 0 - 1) vs Harry Scarff (8 - 2 - 0)
10 rounds for the IBF European Super Welterweight title
Winner - Williamson (97-94, 96-94, 96-95)
Williamson manages to hang on to his title in a highly competitive and hard-fought scrap that played out in the pocket from round 1 to the final bell.
Dennis McCann (7 - 0 - 0) vs Brett Fidoe (13 - 64 - 5)
6 rounds at Bantamweight
Winner - Mccann (KO round 2)
Highly touted young prospect Dennis McCann made a huge statement by dropping and stopping the durable Brett Fidoe with a peach of a body shot in the 2nd round. Fidoe had previously only been stopped twice in his 64 losses.
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