British trio breeze through

A thrilling night of British boxing provided everything it was billed up to be plus a few surprises along the way.

British Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders all got off to victories on the their professional debuts, whilst Matt Skelton and John Thaxton both lost their titles.

Gavin and Saunders blew away their opponents within the distance, however the real talking point of the night was the boos James DeGale was greeted with after failing to knockout the little-known Vepkhia Tchilaia.

Despite this tough welcome to the professional ranks, DeGale looked impressive against an opponent who was clearly there to pick up a handsome wage and not embarrass himself.

As expected Gavin and Saunders both pleased the crowd with explosive displays, but it was a different story for John Thaxton and Matt Skelton.

An epic twelve rounder at the Norfolk Showground saw John Thaxton lose his European title by a unanimous decision, despite putting Frenchman Anthony Mezzaache on the canvas in the first.

Skelton lost his Commonwealth Heavyweight title to Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan at the age of 38 and after just twelve professional fights looks to be on the way to a world title shot.

Elsewhere on the night Don Broadhurst and Tyson Fury both carried on their excellent records with knockout wins.

Preview: Saturday night boxing fest!

This Saturday will be one of the most anticipated British fight nights of the year.

With two Commonwealth titles and one European belt on the line, as well as three of our British Olympians making their professional debuts.

Jon Thaxton vs. Anthony Mezaache

The action kicks off on ITV4 at 7.45 pm with Jon Thaxton defending his European Lightweight title for the first time in front of his home fans at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich.

His opponent is Frenchman Anthony Mezaache and with a record of 10 – 5 – 1 i can only see one outcome here, an easy first defence for Thaxton.

Also on this bill look out for 6ft 7 Heavyweight Tyson Fury, who’s frst two professional bouts ended within three rounds.

Prediction: Thaxton win by KO

Matt Skelton vs. Martin Rogan

Over on Sky Sports 1 from 10pm, the action will be coming from the NIA, Birmingham, where a top bill will feature Commonwealth Heavyweight champ Matt Skelton defending his belt against Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan.

Despite Rogan showing his class against Audley Harrison last year, Skelton has a lot more in his locker, and will probably edge a points decision.

Prediction: Skelton win on pts

Don Broadhurst vs. Isaac Owusu

As mentioned in our ‘One to watch’ feature, youngster Don Broadhurst make the defence of his Commonwealth title against novice Ghanaian Isaac Owusu, who shouldn’t provide much of a test.

Broadhurst will be hoping to put on quite a show in front of a big audience as he continues his journey through the ranks.

Prediction: Broadhurst win by KO

The Olympians

Sky Sports will also see the professional debuts of part of the successful British Olympic boxing team.

With all the hype surrounding gold medal winner James DeGale, he’ll be hoping for an explosive entrance to the professional scene and probably go all out for the knockout against Georgian Vepkhia Tchilaia.

As for Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders it will probably be a similar story with both of them picking up easy wins.

One to watch: Don Broadhurst

With so many talented young boxers in Britain and around the world, often some get over shadowed, this new feature will tell you who to keep an eye on in the coming years, and we start things on with Commonwealth Super-Flyweight champion, Don Broadhurst.

Born in Birmingham, ‘The Don’, is really starting to make a name for himself, after topping a great amateur career with a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth games, Broadhurst is detirmined to become a champion in the professional game.

 And he seems to be on the right track, winning the Commonwealth belt after just nine fights and aiming for a World title within 18 months.

Possessing great speed, surprising power and the boxing brain of a seasoned pro, Broadhurst has the assets to go all the way.

But, as with most of his fighters, Frank Warren will be eager to keep the youngster’s feet on the ground and Broadhurst will be making the first defence of his Commonwealth title on 28th February at the NIA, Birmingham.

Fighting on the same card as Olympian James DeGale plus the heavyweight clash between Matt Skelton and Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan, he’ll be hoping to leave a lasting impression on what is sure to be a big audience.