By Andrew Walker: British lightweight champion Jon Thaxton 33-8-(18) has lost out on a potential big money summer clash with Commonwealth lightweight champion Amir Khan 16-(12) after being stopped by his corner after the fifth round due to a serious cut inflicted by Yuri Romanov 21-2-(14) at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, tonight.
Thirty three year old Thaxton was pulled from the fight by his own corner headed up by Dominic Ingle, due to a serious cut above his right eye. Tonight’s defeat leaves Thaxtons record with eight losses in total although he is still the British champion as tonight’s clash was for the EBU (European) title.
Ironically after defeating Thaxton, it now looks like Yuri Romano could be inline to face Bolton’s Amir Khan next as long as Khan sticks to the Sports Network script and wins tomorrow (Saturday) nights fight against Martin Kristjansen 18-1-2-(5) in a WBO title eliminator at the Bolton Arena, live on ITV1 in the UK.
Afterwards Thaxton did not complain about the decision or his corner for withdrawing him from the fight. “I’ve got every trust and belief in my team – they’re in charge, and if it’s the right decision then it is the right one,” he said. “I never think I’m going to lose until the final decision.” I was just getting into it, and it usually takes a few rounds. He was coming forward – but how long would he have kept coming? “I trained very hard and I’m super upset. Of course I’ll be back.”
In reality Thaxton looked outclassed from the opening bell and the step up to European level proved too difficult a task for him tonight. Thaxton and his promoters Hennessy Sports will be ruing the decision not to take the Khan fight when it was first muted last year. Despite the fight going to purse bids earlier this year the Khan camp eventually pulled out looking to move in a different direction and after tonight’s performance I think they have been justified in doing so.