by James Slater: Tonight, at The York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, light-middleweights Anthony Small, 17-1(11) going in and Takaloo, 25-6(17) going in, met in an intriguing crossroads match-up. The 26-year-old Small rebounded from his last fight and only loss, to win inside 7 rounds against the 32-year-old veteran and former two-time WBU champion – who was also coming off a loss.
In round one, Small came out with his usual loose limbed boxing style, while Takaloo brought pressure and chopped away to Small’s body. A very close round, which this writer scored even.
In the second and third, Small got his left hand working very well. An eye catching series of hooks with the left, both up and down, scored for him in the 2nd, and then in round three Small decked his man. After a brief time-out by referee Richie Davies to inspect a cut that had opened over Takaloo’s left eye – possibly from a clash of heads – a short left hook to the jaw sent the 32-year-old down. For a few seconds the fight looked all over, yet the brave Takaloo fought back and got through the round – a 10-8 one for Small.
In the fourth, Takaloo was still dangerous and had seemingly recovered from the knockdown. Indeed, he landed a good left hook of his own. Small was looking the boss, however, and was winning the round with his fast hands and accuracy. Then Small sent Takaloo to the canvas again. Three consecutive lefts to the head did the damage, and down went the older man. Up quickly and claiming a slip, Takaloo nonetheless was given a count – although he wasn’t as hurt as he had been in the previous round. Then, as soon as boxing recommenced, Small was given a reminder not to get too cocky, as a left hand hit him as he held his hands too low. The round was still scored 10-8 for Small though.
In rounds five and six, Takaloo was bravely driving himself on and Small was content to take more chances with his low held hands. Should Small have ended matters by now? It certainly looked as though one big effort would bring matters to a close, but Small instead allowed Takaloo to force him to the ropes in between his boxing success. Takaloo’s cut had not overly worsened, but the action was looking more than a touch one-sided now. Bravery was not something Takaloo was short of, however.
The end finally came in round seven. With the veteran forcing himself to press the action, again throwing shots at Small as the younger man was along the ropes, the action then went back to mid-ring. Suddenly, a fast right hand to the head sent Takaloo down for the third time of the evening, and though he beat the count yet again this time the ref dived in and rescued him. The stoppage was a good one, as Small was all over his man at the time of the ref’s decision to call it a night. The time was 2 mins and 56 seconds.
For Small, a very gifted and exciting boxer, the win helped restore much of the confidence that was lost due to the loss to Bradley Pryce last time out (L TKO 7). Now very much back in the frame as far as titles are concerned, the 26-year-old is as ambitious and driven as before.
For the beaten Takaloo, who suffered his 7th loss, the future looks far less bright.