Haskins claims Prizefighter Super Fly title - 12/10/2011

BRITISH champ targeting World title after Liverpool win

Lee Haskins is aiming for a World title shot after an impressive performance to claim the Prizefighter Super Flyweight tournament at Liverpool Olympia on Wednesday night.

Haskins won every one of the nine rounds he fought to win the 21st edition of Matchroom Sport’s revolutionary eight-man, one night tournament, picking off Terry Broadbent and Ryan Farrag in the quarter-final and semi-final before dominating a one-sided rematch with Don Broadhurst in the final.

Haskins laughing all the way to the bank after his win in Liverpool

The pair fought in December 2009 with Haskin’s taking Broadhurst’s Commonwealth title and defending his British title. Despite having less resting time between his semi and the final, Haskins looked the fresher man and in the second round of the final, Haskins floored Broadhurst twice on the way to a win he thinks could lead to a World title shot.

“I felt very good in there tonight,” said Haskins. “I hurt everyone I fought and no-one hurt me. I didn't think I got hit really at all - I got a few head butts but that's part of boxing. I could have fought all seven of them to be honest.

“It was a great opportunity for me – I'm beating everybody that's put in front of me and taking every belt that's on offer, I don't know what else I can do – I want my title chance.

“I've beaten Don before and he thought he could beat me this time but I beat him even easier this time. I think I have earned a World title shot and I also think it’s time I headlined in a big show in Bristol.”

Broadhurst kicked off the night’s action against Usman Ahmed, complete with the Hollywood ring walk that turned him into a YouTube star, dealing comfortable with Ahmed before edging a split decision against Mike Robinson in a gruelling semi-final that must’ve taken plenty out of the Bristol fighter, who was in action for the first time in over a year.

“Obviously Lee's the best in Britain but I haven't fought for a year and I can come back,” said Broadhurst. “I still think I can have a good career in boxing, I'm far from finished.

“The better lad on the night won, it was the first time I've been put down in my life but I showed character to get up and fight to the end. He's effective at what he does and I think he could go on to bigger and better things, he's so awkward.”

Robinson defeated Northampton’s Nathan Reeve in the second quarter-final before Haskins clinically saw off Leeds’ 3-0 man Broadbent. Then came the fight of the night as English champion Craig Lyon faced Merseyside rival Farrag in the fourth quarter-final. Their clash exploded into life from the opening bell and nine minutes of furious action had the Olympia on its feet, with Farrag delivering the telling blow in the final round with a fierce four-punch combination flooring the St Helens man and proving crucial for Farrag to gain the decision.

Farrag’s reward for winning his three-round war the English champ was a date with the British champ and Haskins was able to pick his shots against the 23 year-old who was further hampered by a cut on his hairline that had blood gushing down into his left eye. He battled gamely but Haskins was in the groove and had Farrag on the deck in the second round as he made his way to his final triumph.

Prizefighter Super Flyweights results:
Quarter-finals
Don Broadhurst beat Usman Ahmed – unanimous decision 30-28, 30-27, 30-27
Mike Robinson beat Nathan Reeve – unanimous decision 29-28, 30-27, 29-28
Lee Haskins beat Terry Broadbent – unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
Ryan Farrag beat Craig Lyon – unanimous decision 29-28, 29-27, 29-27

Semi-finals
Don Broadhurst beat Mike Robinson – split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28
Lee Haskins beat Ryan Farrag – unanimous decision 30-26, 30-27, 30-27

Final
Lee Haskins beat Don Broadhurst – unanimous decision 30-25, 30-25, 30-26