Svein Clouston vs Alan Riley
Svein Clouston (left) vs Alan Riley to decide the inaugural Scottish middleweight title was the bout many people had come to see. They were not to be disappointed. Quite simply a sensational chessboxing battle with the advantage swinging both ways time and again. At first it seemed the result would be a formality after Clouston, with the White pieces, blundered his Queen on move 13. Riley then sought to close out the fight with a series of hard hooks to the Clouston ribcage. Absorbing the onslaught bravely “The Viking”, as his army of fans would have it, battled back and his superb left-jab began finding its mark. Incredibly, Riley then blundered his own Queen and suddenly it was game on once again. After eleven rounds each more incident-filled than the last, we were down to a classic finish, White’s King facing Black’s King and Pawn advance. Clouston, with just seconds remaining to play stared defeat in the eye but held is nerve and forced the stalemate draw. Under London Chessboxing rules the result is then decided by the referee Reinaldo Dominguez, based on points scored and overall aggression and his decision favoured ‘The Viking’ by 9 points to 6. Winner Svein Clouston by points decision after 11 rounds.
Hubert ‘The Wardrobe’ Van Melick vs Patrick Teehan
‘The Wardrobe’ vs Patrick Teehan was a comeback fight for the man from Holland after his recent surprise defeat to Tim Woolgar in October last year. Meanwhile Teehan was making his first appearance in the chessboxing cauldron of London’s Boston Dome. This was always going to be a battle of youth and energy over age and guile and on the night it was the punching power and sheer dynamism of the Dutchman that won through. The match opened up with unorthodox play from both men and Van Melick eventually closing out the round with a strong position. Moments later Teehan faced the almost fanatical barrage of blows that has become Van Melick’s trademark opening. Teehan survived the round without inflicting much damage on his opponent although soaking up quite a bit on his own account despite covering up gamely. Moments later it was all over. ’The Wardrobe’s’ Queen and Knight combined to devastating effect leaving Teehan shaking his head and other than the sporting handshake, no more strenuous action was required from either man. Winner: Hubert Van Melick by checkmate round 3.
Carl Williams vs Ben Robinson
Carl Williams (left) vs Ben Robinson was an all action encounter with both men seeming to seek a knockout blow at every opportunity on the chessboard and with the gloves. In the opening round Robinson, with the Black pieces, avoided a checkmate threat on move 4 but soon found his King forced into a vulnerable position. Robinson dismissed all thoughts of vulnerability in the next round though showing great energy to put Williams under pressure with a series of body and head combinations. In round three, back on the chessboard, Williams allowed Robinson back in the match after blundering his Queen. The battle continued to swing both ways until a hard right from Robinson closed Williams’ left eye and the referee stepped in to stop the bout. Winner: Robinson by TKO round 6.
Rob ‘The Gentleman’ Gillies vs Marc Hickey
‘Gentleman’ Rob Gillies (left) vs Marc Hickey looked like being a close fought contest with both men appearing evenly matched. Then Marc suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury towards the end of the second round bringing the bout to a premature halt. After receiving medical treatment Marc was able to return to the arena and enjoy the remainder of the show as a spectator. Winner: Gillies by TKO round 2.
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