Ezra Taylor secured a challenging but well-deserved points victory against Troy Jones in a gritty light-heavyweight contest. Their bout at the Nottingham Arena generated significant anticipation leading up to the main event featuring Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood.
In this clash of previously undefeated fighters, Taylor emerged victorious, claiming the WBA Continental `Gold` title. This win is a significant step for his developing career and positions him well for a potential challenge against British light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson.
The judges` scorecards showed some discrepancy. While John Latham`s score of 97-94 reflected a competitive fight, scores from Luigi Boscarelli (99-91) and Mikael Hook (a highly debatable 100-90) were considered too wide. Despite the varied scores, Taylor`s superior skill and precise punches ultimately made the difference. However, Jones`s immense heart and tenacity were undeniable and crucial in making the fight a difficult affair.
The narrative of the fight centered on Taylor`s effective straight shots, which landed cleanly and hard on the incredibly tough Jones, who absorbed the blows and relentlessly maintained pressure.
Taylor`s straight left jab found success early, repeatedly connecting with Jones`s face as the Birmingham native kept his guard high, assessing his opponent. Referee Bob Williams had to intervene in the second round when Jones threw a hook followed immediately by a clinch. In Taylor`s corner, former heavyweight contender Malik Scott needed to keep his fighter composed after some heated words exchanged between the combatants at the close of the second round.
Jones landed a couple of shots after the bell at the end of round two and followed up with some legal work behind his jab in the third. The 26-year-old Jones appeared physically strong when fighting in close, while Taylor was more effective from a distance.
Jones suffered a bloody nose in the fourth round as he continued to smother Taylor, who steadily moved forward. Mr. Williams cautioned Jones for holding in the same round. Taylor successfully landed a left hook in the fifth round, while Jones continued to peck away with body shots.
Jones`s effort was unquestionable, but he was warned again by Bob Williams in the sixth round for pushing the boundaries of the rules. Jones was clearly operating on the edge of legality with his aggressive tactics.
Despite his face being covered in blood, Jones landed powerful body shots towards the end of the seventh round, prompting an expletive-filled reaction from his trainer, Lee Beard. Taylor`s reliable left hook remained a key weapon as Jones desperately tried to withstand the assault.
Jones did an admirable job of pulling Taylor into a messy battle, which somewhat neutralized the Nottingham fighter`s more refined boxing. Taylor`s record improved to 12-0 (8 KOs), while Jones can take pride despite his first professional loss, falling to 12-1 (6 KOs).
