Luke Paddock overwhelms a late call up

The Saddlers fan took top billing in a six-round contest at Walsall Football Club as he blew off the ring rust after four months out, writes Craig Birch.

'Cool Hand' featured in the Stadium Suite at the Banks's, headlining Errol Johnson's Black Country Boxing four-fight dinner show titled 'Seasons Beatings.'

The 24-year-old was due to take on the aptly-named Rudolf Durica but, after a pull out, in came the heavier Michal Voyska at late notice.

The former Midlands super lightweight champion and English title challenger had previous proclaiming he was looking for a TKO, which would have been only his second in 17 pro contests.

Voyska presented an even more stubborn roadblock and he took everything Paddock threw at him, blocking some on his arms and gloves.

Paddock was awarded a 60-54 points landslide after the final bell and had his hand raised by referee Shaun Messer, reasonably content with his evening's work.

He said: "I just did what I had to. I was determined to get, at least, a points shut-out but I did want a stoppage. I hurt him numerous times, but I couldn't get that killer touch.

"I was happy with my performance, I barely got caught but it was frustrating, because I was over him like a nasty rash.

"I didn't want to just blitz him, I was working up to getting him out of there. I had to use my ability, speed and skills. I even hurt my middle knuckle hitting him with a sharp right hand.

"I don't think my record does me justice about how hard I do hit and I was sinking in shots on a naturally-heavier man. But I'm about skill, mainly, and not power."

Voyska barely got a punch in during the first round but Paddock wasn't a bull out of the gates, sitting down on his shots as he peppered him to the body and head.

The 32-year-old from the Czech Republic continued to be a sitting target, as Paddock went through his range of punches.

The European visitor tried to have a go back in round four, but Paddock brought his hands down with an evil left hook to the body although he couldn't capitalise.

Voyska was again shrugging off the effects of two picked right hands, first a hook to the head that tested his jaw and the second a fist over the top over the top after Paddock feinted off the left.

Game Voyska continued to hang in there until the finish and left without being removed, with Paddock an easy victor.

Elsewhere on the card, all four-rounders, Owen Jobburn opened the show by outpointing Dean Croft 40-37 in a super welterweight affair.

Michael Cole cruised past Liam Richards by 40-36 points shut out at lightweight, while Nathan Clarke beat Liam Wright 40-37 after a keenly-contested light middleweight bout.