BOXING: Another knockout performance from Northampton's Conway

The former Kings Heath ABC amateur was far too strong for Russian opponent Andre Cepur at the Holiday Inn at Birmingham Airport.

Conway, who is scheduled to box three times in five weeks, graced the ring from the opening bell with an air of dominance.

The first round saw Conway patiently stalk his opponent and pick him off with jabs and heavy, sharp combinations.

But it was clear after 30 seconds that the Russian would do well to see the fight out.

Rounds two and three saw Conway’s command leave his opponent red-faced and bruised, while he systematically broke down Cepur with a series of heavy combinations.

He was going through the full repertoire of punches and by the time Conway launched a barrage of heavy hooks and uppercuts on the game Russian, the referee had no option but to save

the unsteady, jelly-legged Cepur.

Matthew Macklin, head of MTK Global, said: “It was an impressive and mature display by Kieron.

“You can get carried away forgetting he’s only 21.

“I was mostly impressed with the way he took his time, chipping away at his opponent before he recognised the time to go for the finish.”

Conway, who is sponsored by S&D Paving, said: “I’m not in a rush as I’m still young, but I would want to kick on in the next year.

“I’ve moved to 6 and 0 in my first 12 months and that was the plan.

“I had lots of amateur experience which has put me in good stead.

“Kings Heath is known for never taking easy fights so I’ve worked at a decent level and now I want to be working at a decent level again over eight, 10 and 12 rounds in the next year.”

Conway is next due to box on the Matchroom NextGen Show in Manchester on Sunday, February 25 before headlining the Northampton show at The Deco on Friday, March 9.

Tickets for the Northampton show are available on 07919 344305.

Thiaba set to show class at Far Cotton

Far Cotton ABC head coach John Daly believes fans at his club’s show tomorrow night will see a future star in action, writes MATTHEW BOZEAT.

Daly’s success stories include the Fail twins, Carl and Ben, and IBO world champion Chantelle Cameron – and he also has high hopes for Godly Thiaba.

The 18-year-old from Bellinge won both the East Midlands Box Cup and NABGC championships at 91kgs last year – and he’s set to be matched on his club’s show at the Far Cotton Club on Friday, February 9.

“Godly can definitely go places,” said Daly.

“The more sparring and fights he has, the more he will improve.

“Every time I see him spar or box, he improves.

“Godly is good to have in the gym.

“He is game enough to spar anyone and he is always smiling !

“Everyone likes having him around.”

Thiaba has only had six bouts – six wins – but despite his lack of experience, Daly says there’s a chance he could be entered in the England Boxing Elite Championships, set to get underway next month.

“He’s already shown he can look after himself in good company,” said Daly. “And after this fight, I will decide if Godly should go in the Elites.

“I know he will say: ‘Yes, 100 per cent coach,’ but we will decide after his next one.”

Super-heavyweight Seb Brown is also in action on the show.

Brown recorded arguably his best win on Far Cotton’s last show, back in December, 2016.

He was a points winner over Solomon Dacres and he’s now a member of the Great Britain squad and spars Anthony Joshua.

Daly has also matched up Kai Church, also a gold medallist at the East Midlands Box Cup, and Connor Downs.

Downs is a crowd favourite and is keen to have a good run in this year’s Elite championships.

Daly reports his champions will all be at the show with their belts. Chantelle Cameron, IBO world champion, Ashley Lane, Nathan Reeve and Carl Fail will all be present.