by James Slater: Last night, in Glasgow, Scotland, unbeaten 20-year-old prospect Paul Appleby won for the 11th time as a pro. Fast gaining interest, along with a reputation for being one of the best prospects the U.K has to offer right now, featherweight Appleby, from South Queensferry in Scotland, was certainly ultra-exciting last night. The extremely game Szabo, 12-7-1(4) and from Hungary, came to fight, however..
Appleby wasted no time at all, and immediately attacked the visiting fighter’s body. With no shortage of power to speak of – at least so far in his young career – the dazzling 20-year-old almost folded Szabo in half at times. No less than four hurtful times did the 23-year-old hit the mat – on all occasions clutching his midsection in pain. Szabo was down in the first, again in the second, and then, finally, twice in the third round. On each occasion, though, the tough and fiercely competitive Hungarian bravely beat the count when it appeared as though he was all done.
Coming tearing back at Appleby at times, Szabo, who was also sporting a bloodied face, made things at least somewhat difficult for Appleby. The brief action was anything but dull, that’s for sure, and once again in a Paul Appleby bout the fans’ got their money’s worth. Guilty of being a little reckless last night, the winner by TKO in the 3rd round admitted he will have to “tighten up his hands” when he moves up in class.
This move may not be long in coming, either. Wanting to become the youngest Scotsman to win a British title, an Appleby-John Simpson fight is reportedly very close to being made. British champ Simpson, 17-5 (6) was at ringside last night, and complemented Appleby for a good night’s work. A clash between the two men, should it come off, will be very interesting indeed.
Big things are expected of the talented Appleby, who Amir Khan aside, just might be the U.K’s best unbeaten prospect right now. Fast, powerful and gifted, the 20-year-old is a boxer who loves to fight. Again, sometimes overanxious, as he was last night, the youngster has displayed on other weaknesses so far. Last night’s fight showed he can take some heat when it is put on him, and, his occasional defensive lapses aside, Appleby looks as close to a sure thing to go all the way as one could imagine.
First things first though, and let’s see how Appleby handles the more experienced Simpson. I know where my money will be going.
With last night’s victory the full of promise Appleby, who only turned pro in January of 2006, improved to 11-0(8). The vanquished Szabo, who entered the ring last night having won his last three fights, now appears set to become nothing more than a decent journeyman.