Matchroom promoter Hearn spends the majority of his time packing out big arenas for British and world title fight cards, but occasionally the Essex man takes time to develop his young fighters in special ‘prospect shows’ at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
The shows allow the young lions to build up their resumes – and provide the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the top man himself.
Saturday Showcase
Hard-hitting Felix Cash, Paul Hyland Jr, Myles Darby and Craig Richards came into Saturday’s show as undefeated prospects, and all four won their bouts on points with Richards securing the Southern Area title thanks to his victory.
Light Heavyweight Danny Dignum pulled out another explosive performance, stopping journeyman Iain Jackson inside two rounds. The Brentwood fighter is now two fights undefeated, with both finishing inside the first two rounds.
Also on the stoppage list was Jake Ball, who had a rough battle last time out as he was stopped inside a round by JJ McDonagh. However the Surrey southpaw showed no signs of mental scarring as he turned the tables, ruthlessly wiping out Austrian Olegs Fedotovs in the first round.
Knockout prospect
Lastly, featherweight Reece Belotti marched one step closer to his British title ambition as he knocked out Dai Davies with a sweet right-hand, left-hook combination, sending the Welshman face first to the canvas to end what was an eliminator fight for the British crown.
Although happy with his position, the Watford man wasn’t too eager to rush his career.
“Listen, I maybe need another experienced fighter like that to show me a few different things that I haven’t seen before,” Belotti said. “But if Jim Mcdonnell thinks I’m ready, I’m ready.”
“When Davies went down I sort of thought he’ll do well to get up. He did get up but the ref saw him not fit so that’s the way it is.”