Patrick Mendy wins Prizefighter
Youth prevailed last night at York Hall when Patrick “Tiger” Mendy shocked everyone to conquer Prizefighter at the mere age of 19.
This tournament was dealt a massive blow beforehand as all the bigger names pulled out before things got underway. The three Tony’s - Quigley, Dodson and Salam - all withdrew from proceedings through one reason or another which left the line-up that was quite disappointing, sporting the likes of three-fight newcomer Jeff Evans and the underwhelming Eddie McIntosh.
However Mendy took full advantage of the situation and came through the pack to win with his youthful and energetic style. On paper his match-up with Sam Horton in the opening bout was going to be the key clash, but it lasted a mere 90 seconds as the Gambia-born youngster caught “The Man” in the corner with a succession of wild punches that referee Ian-John Lewis deemed too much. It was a controversial decision, Horton was getting pummelled, but questions have to be asked why the ref waded in without Horton dropping or taking a knee as there was not a standing count rule in play and Horton didn’t look in that much danger.
Elsewhere Daniel Cadman came through Eddie McIntosh in exciting style while Evans shocked Peter Fedorenko with a split decision, just edging the veteran out.
The only other KO of the contest came in the other quarter-final between Drake and Paul David. As English champion David was considered the favourite and he came out all guns blazing, controlling the fight superbly against an up for it Drake. In the third round Northampton’s David caught Drake with a vicious uppercut which dropped him like a stone and booked David a place in the last four.
Cadman and Mendy stepped in for the first semi-final and the fresher looking Tiger managed to weathered a storm from the taxi-driving Cadman to win a tight battle on the cards. Mendy was joined in the final by David as the English champ took on Welshman Evans and out-boxed him to secure his place in the final.
So down to the last two for the £32,000 cheque. It was the youthful exuberance of Mendy v the awkwardness and experience of David but in truth it was a damp squib. As with the rest of the fights Mendy was quick out the blocks but couldn’t make his swarming pay. David tried to come back at him but couldn’t land a knock down, despite his reach advantage he couldn’t gain control like he had in his previous two fights and the young Maidenhead-based boxer took it with two score cards of 29-28 and one of 30-27.
So a great night for Mendy who will join the likes of Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Willie Casey as a young talent who has announced himself on the scene by wining Prizefighter. He has this rampaging wild style, almost windmilling at times which is good to watch, but he will come a cropper one day as he doesn’t cover up at all.
Mendy was presented his trophy by European champion Brian McGee who is a huge Prizefighter fan and had claimed he will fight the winner.
It will be interesting to see if he does take on Mendy, but the 19-year-old will have to learn to get more defensive or that Tiger will surely become an endangered species.
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