Zelfa Barrett stops Jordan Gill whilst Scotney and Dixon shine at World level

(Image credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Jordan Gill vs Zelfa Barrett delivered exactly what the fight was supposed to, a brilliant domestic 50/50 between two of the countries best Super-Featherweights. Gill was forcing the pace throughout, attempting to walk Barrett down and maintain centre ring. Barrett was comfortable on the back foot, firing off the more damaging punches when Gill came into range.

I had Gill leading 87-84 after nine rounds. The beginning of the tenth was more of the same, Gill forcing the pace and Barrett picking his power shots well. 45 seconds into the tenth, Barrett lands a sickening body shot, sending Gill to the canvas. Gill beat the count and continued to rally until Barrett landed another beautifully timed body shot. Down Gill went again, beating the count for a second time. Barrett pilled on the pressure forcing referee John Latham to stop the contest with Gill not firing back.

After the fight, Barrett and promotor Eddie Hearn called for a World title shot against WBA Super-Featherweight champion Lamont Roach in Manchester or the United States. It's only right for Gill vs Barrett to secure Fight of the Night.

Ellie Scotney secured Performance of the Night after a boxing masterclass unifying IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Super-Bantamweight titles against Segolene Lefebvre. It was a calculated, calm, and spiteful performance from the Queen of Catford. Scotney took all of Lefebvre’s attributes away from her, making the French fighter miss at ease, returning with a variety of punches. With performances like that, it is hard to argue against Scotney being the Number 1, Pound for Pound Female fighter in the UK.

Rhiannon Dixon continued her run of impressive performances securing the ‘vacant’ WBO Lightweight World title against Karen Carabajal. There is a lot to like about Dixon, who is showing improvements in every single fight under the guidance of Anthony Crolla. The Warrington based fighter proved she has legitimate power, dropping Carabajal in the third. An excellent performance from Dixon who has picked up Commonwealth, European and World titles in three consecutive fights.

A fight deserving of an honourable mention for Fight of the Night, Michael Gomez Jr successfully defended his English Super-Featherweight title against fan-favourite Kane Baker. It was a war from start to finish with both fighters pushing for the stoppage. Unfortunately for Baker, anything he could do, Gomez Jr could do better. Gomez Jr secured the sixth-round stoppage and called out British and Commonwealth champion Reece Bellotti in the post-fight interview.

There is a lot to like about the undercard’s Prospect of the Night Jack Turner. ‘El Terrier’ moved to 6-0 with his sixth straight, first-round KO. Turner had his opponent down inside the first twenty seconds, then again with a beautiful long, left hook; ending the fight in the process. Anyone between Super-Flyweight and Bantamweight should be very wary of the talented scouse fighter.

Jimmy Sains put in a brilliant performance moving to 4-0 in the process. Everything came from the jab, taking his time and not rushing his work. It was a beating from start to finish with his opponent bloodied from the first round. ‘Sainsy’ secures his forth KO in as many fights.

Brandon Scott, Jordan Flynn and Ste Clarke all secured points victories from Saturday’s undercard. William Crolla began the 100%-win record for Team Crolla securing a first round KO.

Eddie Hearn speaks to International Boxing News after Gill/Barrett:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jb3yfQMXEM