Rotherham fight duo come through unscathed ahead of bigger tests
Ellie Hellewell's dream of a big title is still on course after a points' victory at Doncaster Dome on Saturday
It is full-speed ahead for two Rotherham boxers after easing through tune-up fights ahead of more significant battles.
Ellie Hellewell's dream of a big title is still on course after a points' victory at Doncaster Dome on Saturday.
The former Wickersley Comprehensive pupil needed to get a win under her belt to ensure her challenge for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title will go ahead on August 22.
And she accomplished that last weekend with a clean-sweep over Grimsby super bantamweight Alisha Lewis.
Her trainer Jason Cunningham described it as a "routine" victory and said he was pleased she came through unscathed ahead of her next assignment.
It was Ellie's eighth professional win; she will be hoping her ninth will come at the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green against Matchroom teenager Tiah Mai Ayton.
On Saturday, the steely-eyed Ellie effortlessly controlled the tempo from the centre of the ring.
The former Brinsworth resident will face a much more dangerous opponent next month, though.
Eastwood heavyweight Kash Ali, 34, making only his second fight since being KO'd in March 2024, motored to a 40-36 victory over Cornwall's Dylan Courtney.
The 6ft 6ins fighter demonstrated his switching style in the early stages against a boxer who fights at cruiserweight.
The lack of action led to a stiff word for both fighters from referee Mark Downing, before Kash changed up a gear with a flurry of combination punches before final bell.
His trainer Atif Shafiq said: "It was a good day in the office, getting those rounds in.
"It was about getting him moving again at this lower level, trying a few new things. We are trying to build some momentum."
Shafiq said his man had a "few little niggles" – he seemed to be stretching his shoulder quite vigorously – but expects him to be back in action on September 5 at the Magna Centre as he seeks to manoeuvre towards bringing a title back to his Unity gym.
Conisbrough's Dave Allen said he was happy with his points win over Dan Garber.
"I was really happy with myself. I probably could have won by stoppage, to be honest I even did the Ali shuffle a couple of times!"
Next up for the "White Rhino" is a September clash with Celtic champion Thomas Carty at Croke Park, Dublin.
Another Conisbrough boxer Joe Hayden rang up his 24th straight victory.
The Allen-managed boxer will be on Dalton Smith's world title undercard next, possibly against another unbeaten competitor.