Matthew Marsh Takes British Super-Bantamweight Title From Esham Pickering!

Matthew Marshby James Slater: Last night, at the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, 25-year-old Matthew Marsh ripped the British super-bantamweight title from defending champion Esham Pickering. An underdog going in, Marsh, who was only having his 11th pro fight, prevailed via a much deserved unanimous decision. The scores after 12 pulsating rounds were 117-111, 116-113 and 115-113. In winning his first major title, Marsh improved to 10-1(1). Pickering, the older man at age 31, fell to 33-7(13).

The fight was all-action right from the opening bell. Coming out full of energy, Marsh attacked the seasoned Pickering with an all-out, blazing attack. Such was the 25-year-old’s incredible stamina, his work-rate pretty much remained this way throughout the full 12 rounds. Catching the defending champion with a lot of punches – Marsh’s right hand to the head in particular being a very effective weapon in every round – the younger man simply wanted it more.

Pickering, who has been through a number of gruelling fights in his 12 year career, looked disorganised and tired at times – such was the challenger’s almost contact pressure. To this writer’s mind Marsh swept the first three rounds clearly, and was on his way to upsetting the man who had vowed to knock him out.

Pickering did manage to come back into the fight at around the middle stage, when it appeared as though the quick attack Marsh had employed at the 1st bell might serve to hinder the relatively inexperienced pro. But Marsh got back into it by the 8th and proved any thoughts of him fading were unfounded. Indeed, in the 10th round Marsh had Pickering in some pretty serious trouble. If Marsh been a bigger puncher, Pickering may well have gone – so cleanly was he being caught to the head. There was one moment of slight controversy in the 10th round as well.

With Pickering hurt and somewhat stunned by a terrific Marsh combination, referee Mickey Vann, seeing the loose lace on the challenger’s left glove, opted to call a time-out. The timing of the call may well have assisted the tired and dazed Pickering. Not to say Marsh would’ve stopped his man – the challenger’s punch-power simply was not up to that task – but Vann could have waited a few more seconds before halting the action. Needles to say, the call received a chorus of boos from Marsh’s numerous fans.

The last two rounds saw Marsh sealing his victory by giving it everything he had left. Pickering too sucked it up, but this was the younger fighter’s night. The two embraced at the final bell, and the first-rate bout was given an ovation by the sell-out crowd.
Marsh later said he was over the moon with his great win, and he had every right to be.

Coming back tremendously well from his 11th round TKO loss to featherweight Derry Matthews last October, Marsh showed incredible heart and character. His future looks extremely bright!