CONISBROUGH puncher Stefy Bull, returning from an eleven month spell on the sidelines, saw his hopes of capturing the British Masters light-welterweight title dashed at Doncaster Dome last night when he slipped to a 97-95 defeat at the hands of Blackburn champion Graeme 'Dessie' Higginson.
Bull, a former Central Area champion at both featherweight and lightweight, began confidently enough and but for long periods he was forced onto the back foot by the shaven headed Higginson who hooked to the body throughout and generally landed the cleaner more accurate shots.
Too often Stefy's shots fell short of their intended target and, in truth, he never really looked like registering a winning comeback.
Manor Park light-heavyweight Jon Ibbotson picked up his eleventh pro victory with a comfortable 39-37 four round victory over Featherstone's Paul Bonson who came in at the eleventh hour after the withdrawal of Bristol's John Smith.
Dunsford's former English bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell returned to winning ways with a 5th round stoppage victory over Birmingham veteran Anthony Hanna, dropping the usually durable Brummie heavily onto his back with a fierce left hook, referee Michael Alexander waving a halt with just 45 seconds of the round having elapsed despite Hanna rising groggily at a count of eight.
Hanna's stable-mate Peter Buckley, taking part in his 295th pro bout, lost out to a 60-54 six round defeat at the hands of Harworth's classy Joe Elfidh whose record now reads 4-0. Buckley was sent to the seat of his shorts by a counter left early in the 5th round.
Barnsley super-middleweight Jason Smith, looking to register his first pro victory, took on Rotherham's Ryan Rowlinson and lasted just 92 seconds. Hurt by a big right to the head he had no answer as the Swinton boxer piled on the pressure and a halt was called as sheer weight of punches sent him sprawling.
Final bout saw Bradford light-middleweight Gavin Smith, part of the Fight Academy stable, edge out Mansfield based Latvian Alex Spitko 58-57 in a hard fought six rounder.
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