James Metcalf (UK) WTKO12 Aitor Nieto Conde (Spain)
James Metcalf won the vacant WBC International SuperWelter weight crown last June 9th Manchester (UK) by stopping in the 12th and last round Spain’s Aitor Nieto Conde.
JJ Metcalf overcame a tough opponent in Aitor Nieto to claim the vacant WBC International Super Welterweight crown. The British fighter sent the Spaniard to the canvas in the final round before a left-hook made further damages and sent the visitor tumbling to the ropes, leaving referee Victor Loughlin no option but to halt the contest with just 30 seconds remaining of the contest. Liverpool prospect James Metcalf (18-0) is now the new WBC International 154 Lbs champion after a clever and brilliant win against a game and well-schooled Aitor Nieto Conde .
‘Kid Shamrock’ is the son of television friendly former light-welterweight contender Shea ’Shamrock Express’ Neary and a dead ringer for his father – watching at ringside – right down to the crew cut haircut, black shorts and boots. The scouser edged the opening stanza, landing a terrific left hook to the visitor’s head before taking the second with further pressure and by landing the cleaner punches on the wiry Spaniard, the pick of which was an excellent right hook on the ropes. There was a wild exchange at the end of the third as Nieto landed several hard punches before Metcalf countered with a left hook, almost dropping Nieto. The Spanish fighter was skilled and gritty and , even where the Brit was winning most of the rounds, few were clear. By the middle rounds the contest became a technical war of attrition as Melcalf – like his father – doesn’t mind taking a punch in order to land his own. Nieto was happy to oblige, perhaps most notably with the right uppercut. Metcalf was warned a couple of times by referee Victor Loughlin for low punches as he looked to punish Nieto’s midsection. A right hook landed by Metcalf wobbled Nieto in the closing seconds of the tenth. A beautifully timed left hook floored the visitor heavily to start the twelfth before a patient Metcalf stalked his opponent before the referee stopped the bout after further sustained punishment at the two minutes and thirty seconds mark of the final round.
