Cannock boxing sensation Henry Murray becomes Ohio champion with US victory
Henry Murray and twin brother Charles were part of a UK and Ireland Select that headed to Youngstown to take on a USA Select team - writes Matt Bozeat.
The Struthers Fieldhouse Arena was packed with thousands of fight fans and many of them were there to support Levi Williams.
Williams is the Ohio Golden Gloves Champion – but was no match for Henry over three rounds.
Murray beat him unanimously and was afterwards handed the Ohio State Belt that the 20 year old took home to Cannock with him!
Murray (Walsall Wood) was soon beating Williams to the punch with his jab and added rights and left hooks to put him on the back foot.
By the midway point of the opener Murray was enjoying himself. He theatrically wound up his right hand before sinking it into the American’s unprotected ribs.
There were gasps from the home crowd after Murray smashed a left-right off Williams’ chin late in the opening round and that combination kept landing throughout the second as well.
Murray stiffened his legs late in the round and went on to dominate the last as well behind his jab.
Charles took on Josiah Brown, the champion of Philadelphia.
Murray appeared to do enough to win the opening round and had Brown on the floor in the second round with a cracking right to the chin.
Brown benefitted from a long count and the bell rang before any more punches were thrown.
Murray fancied he would finish the fight in the last round, but before the fight resumed, Brown was given a lengthy examination by the ringside doctor.
There was a further delay while the canvas was wiped and when the contest finally restarted, Brown held persistently.
To Murray’s fury, he was punished by the officials. He was docked two points for holding and ended up losing a split decision that was booed by the Ohio crowd.
The UK and Ireland Select Team won the match 7-3.
