An opponent from Ghana is becoming something to approach with caution, even more so if you throw in the knowledge that he has also challenged for a Commonwealth title. This was the level of opposition faced by Martin Murray and his stablemate, Craig Lyon on the Oliver Harrison promotion at Sutton High Leisure Centre in St. Helens. Craig’s opponent lived upto the reputation, Murray’s did not. Thomas Awinbono was clearly no match for Prizefighter Middleweight champion, Murray. He certainly proved he had a good chin but he was outclassed and Murray coasted to a points victory. A focussed Murray stepped in with double jabs and a solid hook to the body gave Awinbono a taste of what was to come from early in the fight.
The Ghanaian had little answer to the consistently better work from Murray. He made an effort in the sixth round but his flurry of shots earned him a flush right in return. A further rally in the next round was answered with an uppercut. The 80-72 score accurately reflected Murray’s superior boxing.
Classy, Craig Lyon, had a much tougher test in Isaac Owusu. This proved to be a fast paced contest between two clever boxers. Lyon edged it with heavier shots and rapid-fire combinations but the final verdict of 60-54 for Lyon did not reflect how hard he had to work to earn his victory. Both were dangerous and a little reckless which probably resulted in the head clash which left Lyon with a nasty cut on his left cheekbone and another over the eye which later required twelve stitches. Both fought well, Lyon fought better.
Scott Mitchell also had a tough fight against the much heavier, Chris Woolas and his clear points win was hotly disputed by the Woolas team. Woolas was certainly the busier of the two and his corner felt he at least deserved a larger share of the 55-60 verdict. Fellow heavyweight, Rob Beech had a much less debatable win over Mark Lewis, and now remains unbeaten in three fights. Oliver’s ample supply of heavyweights also includes sparring partners, Howard Daley and Martyn Grainger who ended up fighting each other. Howard made a determined effort but was well outpointed by Martyn who scored well to the body.
Steve Harkin started fast against Jason Smith, moving forward, delivering hooks to the body and putting together combinations, not giving Smith time to get his shots off. He slowed a little as the fight progressed and threw single shots, favouring the solid right to the ribs but failing to follow up. That said, he won every round of this four round contest.
Light-middleweight, Tom Doran gave an impressive performance in his second outing and is certainly one to watch. Craig Tomes was unable to land a clean shot under the onslaught from Doran. He had to endure an extensive arsenal of hooks from both hands, an effective jab and uppercuts – and that was just the opening rounds! He had taken a lot of punishment by the final round when he went down on one knee under a barrage of blows. An uppercut on the inside and a good left hook gave Doran the final word and a 60-53 victory.
Justin Jones also performed well against Jamie Norkett in their four round light-heavyweight contest. He picked his punches well and penetrated Norkett’s high guard with his jab and demonstrated that he can slip shots nicely too. He deservedly won every round.

Thanks to Tracey Pollard for the fight report.