by James Slater – Last night’s intriguing heavyweight clash between fringe contenders Brian Minto and the unbeaten Donnell Holmes ended in an unsatisfactory way, as Minto won a technical decision after four rounds. Suffering a cut above his eye in the 4th round, Minto saw the fight go to the score cards. Up on all three cards of the judges, “The Beast” was awarded victory by scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37..
The 34-year-old improved to 34-2(21). 36-year-old Holmes lost his perfect record and fell to 31-1-2(27). Due to the disappointing way the fight ended, Holmes is almost certain to demand a second match with Minto.
The fight took place in Minto’s backyard of Butler, in Pennsylvania, and there will be some who say Minto benefited as a result. The third man in the ring never indicated whether or not the cut Minto picked up came from a punch or from a clash of heads, and after the 4th round was over the fight was suddenly stopped. Local favourite or not, there were still plenty of ringside fans who were angry at the way Minto was given the win. Still, it’s not Minto’s fight, and it’s not as if he was hurt (the cut aside) or was losing the fight before its conclusion.
With Freddie Roach having come on board to help with his preparations for last night’s fight, Minto was ultra confident and he was looking for another exciting winning performance. Slowly climbing the rankings of an organisation or two, Minto is hoping for a shot at a world title. With his all-action style the 34-year-old has earned himself a reputation as a gutsy and aggressive fighter. It’s likely Minto himself will be upset at the way his latest victory arrived.
Minto will be pleased to have kept his recent unbeaten streak going, however. Now 7-0(5) since suffering his second pro loss (to Luan Krasniqi on points – Minto has never been stopped) “The Beast” has picked up good momentum. Last night’s fight was a risky one on paper, and both men should be applauded for having stepped up to the plate.
A rematch will likely happen and a part-two would be of interest. Despite his glossy record, many fans knew little about Holmes, nicknamed “The Real Touch Of Sleep.” And last night’s fight was his first somewhat high profile one. In his own mind Holmes will still feel like an unbeaten fighter, and it is to be hoped he can get Minto to agree to a second bout.
For the record, last night’s bout contested the vacant WBO NABO heavyweight strap, along with the WBA Fedecentro belt held by Minto.