Fight Night

I travelled up to Bristol with Chris Todd last night to watch his bro James fight, and what a night it was. James is now fighting under the 'Calzaghe' gym and last night was his his pro fight.
Along with Wayne Carlisle, his clan, and our mate Barry we eventually sat down for the pre fight meal. Oh I forgot to mention the thirty or so Todd family and friends who descended on the Thistle hotel, a regular Bristol boxing venue, ready for action after their journey from Wales. The three tables filled were certainly going to create some noise!. For a bit of extra muscle throw in Enzo Maccarinelli as well who joined the group!.
We all had a good chat before the fight, even James popped in to say hello. The last time I had seen him was a few months ago at training and he looked a different person. He had dropped a few pounds to get in at the weight of 10 st for a light welter weight but he looked fit and ready.
Onto the fighting and the first two bouts were decent but we were all keen to see James in action, it was a long wait for his family and friends though when after these first two bouts the master of ceremonies announced that the auction would start!!. A few signed gloves, signed shirts and a couple of grand later it was time for the two fighters to enter the arena.
James came in to a great reception, it was a great sight seeing him bowl in wearing the Todd number 6 Torquay shirt, he jumped into the ring looking strong and ready.
Then his opponent came in, Adam Cunningham a local lad, also to a great reception.
A quick check and chat by the referee and the bell was sounded, 4 three minute rounds here we go.
It started ferociously and before you knew it pretty much all the punters were stood up with the the shouts of "Toddy, Toddy" ringing around the place. It was a great fight, both of the lads were full on in fact I can't remember a lull in any of the rounds. James moved round the ring brilliantly and reigned in some great combo's. He actually looked stronger as the fight went on, I reckon he could have done another 4 rounds !. The bell sounded for the end of the fight and the 2 sets of supporters obviously thought their own fighter deserved the victory.
We all obviously thought James took it because of his finish to the fight, the Bristol supporters thought it was their man, home advantage and all. And the result................a draw!. It was a big decision, the first two rounds were given to Cunningham the second two given to Todd, I can tell you that their would have been a near riot either way if victory were given.
Toddy was gutted, his family and friends were gutted but were also really proud as their boy had gone in their and really fought well. Both the lads were given glowing reports by the 'Ringmaster' who said he would be very surprised if either of them wouldn't be fighting for a British Championship at some point.
I went to see James after the fight to say well done, he was in the dressing room with another 'Away' fighter who to be fair had been battered in the last bout of the night. It reminded me a lot of football dressing rooms after defeats when your shattered and annoyed and you just want to get out and home to lick the old wounds. James was disappointed he hadn't won, he deserved to, but he must have been pleased with his first pro fight, his family and friends certainly were. James is 19, the lad he fought was 32 and had 60 odd amateur fights under his belt. It was a great performance from 'Toddy' and I think the lad he fought will definitely be pleased with a draw today!!!.

CH