Billy Joe Saunders unanimously defends Commonwealth title against veteran Bradley Pryce – Boxing News
Billy Joe Saunders, the current Commonwealth (British Empire) middleweight champion, successfully defended his title against the heavily experienced fellow countryman Bradley Pryce, the former Commonwealth (British Empire) light middleweight champion, by
grabbing a unanimous decision in a 12-round bout held on June 1, 2012.
The ring for the bout was set up at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom and the Friday night showdown was promoted by Frank Warren. The above duo headlined the pay-per-view whereas the non-title eight-round clash between Stephen Smith and
Jose Luis Graterol constituted the co-headline bout.
Billy, 22, was entering in his 14th career bout and boasted an undefeated streak. The young lad was defending his title for the very first time and against a man who seriously outclassed him in almost all the significant facets of the sport.
Whether its experience or win ratio or knockout proficiency, in all the aspects Pryce possessed the upper hand. In addition, Bradley has also held the Commonwealth title for almost three long years.
Despite all these disadvantages, Billy did not get intimidated and proved the world by putting forth an impressive show of resilience, agility, foot work and pugilism that he is the rightful owner of the Commonwealth gold.
Pryce, 31, was entering in his career’s 44th bout and boasted 33 wins with 18 coming via knockout. Though he has lost many bouts in his career yet he is not an opponent who can be taken lightly.
From the very first round, young Billy optimally used his agility and footwork in a classic combination and not only evaded Pryce’s jabs but connected some decent strikes as well.
Pryce struggled real hard to cope with Joe’s, also known as the ‘Superb’, pace but it seemed like Saunders dominated the whole bout in fact set the pace and the game plan which was unintentionally in a somewhat amicable manner followed by Pryce.
Bradley, also known as ‘Sugar Sweet’, tried his level best to use his height and reach advantage but Billy’s southpaw stance and his agility aided him a lot in swiftly protecting himself from all of Pryce’s jabs.
At the end of the day even the three designated judges got convinced and awarded the bout to Billy by 120-109, 120-108, and 120-109 scores. After the bout, Billy proudly stated, “I got it all perfect, the game-plan was unbelievable. I knew Pryce was strong,
he was compact and kept coming [but] I outboxed him.”
With this win Billy has not only defended his title but also his streak and now possess 14 wins with nine via KO. Bradley, on the other hand, ha again derailed from the win track and has received his 11th loss.
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