The latest news from the local boxing scene
Former Dale Youth heavyweight Naylor Ball almost lost his unbeaten record on a Queensberry promotion at the Brentwood Centre.
Matched against Bulgarian Mladen Manev in a four-round contest, Ball had a height and reach advantage, which he used to good effect, keeping his opponent at a distance with a strong left jab.
Near the end of the first round, though, Ball walked onto a right hook, followed by a cluster of punches from Manev that dropped the former Dale Youth boxer to the canvas.
Ball got to his feet as the bell sounded for the end of the round and it proved to be the only time he looked in danger of losing.
After the scare, Ball controlled the fight using his left jabs and rights over the top, before taking the win 38-36.
• Willesden cruiserweight Ossie Jervier tops the bill on a Goodwin promotion at York hall on Saturday when he faces Danny Couzens.
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