Boxing: Nicusor beats McGuinness by unanimous decision

Steven Connellan, Neacsu Nicusor, Frank Maddocks from Hamer Amateur Boxing Club

Neacsu Nicusor, of Hamer Amateur Boxing Club, competed in his first bout at the Holiday Inn, Bolton on Sunday 29 October when he beat local favourite Greg McGuinness of Halliwell ABC by unanimous decision. 

The contest was the last bout of a fourteen-fight programme and a big cheer thundered throughout the room when McGuinness stepped into the ring.

Nicusor remained composed throughout the introductions and when the bell sounded he immediately showed his intent by taking the fight to McGuinness.

The crowd fell silent as Nicusor threw powerful hooks that continually connected to both the body and head of McGuinness.

The Halliwell boxer pushed forward looking to return punches of his own but he was continually overwhelmed by the shots the Hamer boxer was throwing at him.

With the crowd by now completely silenced, Nicusor came out for the second round and continued to land crunching blows to the head and body, while McGuinness tried to fight back.

Nicusor was in full flow and used clever footwork to swivel to his opponent’s side so that he could land stunning punches to the Halliwell boxer's body.

McGuinness showed great determination to continue to press forward, but he began to lower his head and was warned by the referee to keep it up.

McGuinness ignored the  warning and he was met by an uppercut that jolted his head back every time he lowered his head.

Both boxers tired going into the third and last round, yet it was still non-stop action.

McGuinness never took a backward step throughout the fight and he made the Hamer boxer work for every second, but McGuinness couldn't match the Hamer boxer's speed and it was Nicusor who had his arm raised in victory as he gained a unanimous decision.

Hamer coach Frank Maddocks said: "I was a little concerned going into this fight.

“I overheard the Halliwell coach telling McGuinness to use his power, so I expected fireworks from the local lad.

“It was Nicusor's first fight and I wondered if the occasion would be too much for him and when I heard the roar from the crowd as McGuinness entered the ring I thought it would get to him, but he was terrific in his approach and his temperament and work-rate was spot on.”