Boxing - Mick Learmonth’s latest win makes it a ‘perfect 10’ for the Leeds fighter
The Leeds-born cruiserweight ensured the finish in the fourth round against Arturs Kulikauskis, clinically forcing the referee’s intervention after a series of rapid shots while the Latvian was pinned on the ropes.
After a quiet opening round, the pair traded shots in round two and Learmonth came out of the exchange the stronger, opening a cut above the right ear of Kulikauskis.
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Hide AdIt was one-way traffic from then onwards and the 25-year-old ensured back-to-backs wins inside the distance.
Learmonth said: “I finally got in against someone who came to win and came to engage with me. He got cut, saw the blood and went for the kill. But, that’s what I like, and someone coming to engage with me definitely brings out the best in me. I really enjoyed it and it was great to get a nice stoppage.
“I didn’t have any amateur fights so those first few fights were great learning fights and it was good to get my rounds in for the in-ring experience.
“But, we’ve been working a lot on strength, power and sharpness and it could be seen there that it’s coming on leaps and bounds. With my confidence through the roof, I’m not bothered about getting in there and having a scrap. At the minute it’s working for me and I feel like my strength and speed are there.”
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Hide AdLearmonth has assembled a strong team around him, with trainers Padraic McDonagh and Darrell Kendall focusing on his boxing technique and strength and conditioner Reiss Silva integral to his fitness regime.
“This is definitely the best that I’ve ever felt,” added Learmonth. “I’m now at my leanest, my fittest and my strongest. And I’m half a stone lighter than I was for my last fight so I can only see myself getting sharper, stronger to be honest. Reiss at Elite Step has done heaps of work with me and we’ve worked on power, strength and fitness.
“He’s got me in tip-top shape. In the gym with Padraic and Darrell, they’ve been working with me all the time too and they’ve got me in great shape.
“I’m feeling more confident with every fight.”
He added: “I know how hard I’m working in training and that there’s no stone being left unturned throughout the camps.
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Hide Ad“If I know that, then there’s nothing that I need to worry about.”
Elsewhere on the bill, four other Leeds boxers kept up their unbeaten records.
Harry Fryer began the night with a strong 40-35 points win over Abdon Cesar, knocking down the 2012 Olympian twice en route to victory.
Justin Newell also scored a knockdown, in round one, during his 60-53 decision win over Lee Hallett.
Luke Kelly stopped Arvydas Trizno late in the third round while amateur stand-out Ismail Khan won every round of the four contested against Edward Harrison.
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