Boxing: Till too far out of his depth

ANDY TILL discovered that tenacity and fortitude are insufficient weapons against an opponent of genuine class when he was stopped after four rounds of his European light-middleweight challenge against the Frenchman Laurent Boudouani at Pickett's Lock last night, writes Nick Halling.

Till was retired by manager, Harry Holland, having sustained damage above and below his right eye following an accidental clash of heads.

Holland's decision was clearly the right one, and may ultimately prove to be a blessing, because the 29-year-old Northolt milkman had found himself well out of his depth against an unbeaten rival who may soon be challenging for a world title.

Boudouani had never fought outside France before, but certainly seemed to travel well. The danger signs for the London champ were evident in the opening round, Boudouani dancing confidently around his rival landing thudding left jabs and combination body shots through Till's porous defence.

Till was sent to the canvas early in the second from a right- hand counter. He looked seriously hurt and men of lesser determination would have folded then, but Till's courage has never been found wanting.

In the third, Till went down again, this time from a left hook, and although he was on his feet early he looked uncertain on his legs. Boudouani bided his time, cleverly selecting shots to pierce his rival's guard, but although he scored freely with both hands the resilient Till remained on his feet.

However, there was to be no respite, Till spending most of the fourth round being pushed around the ring by a stronger and faster opponent. He will be frustrated by the manner of the ending, but the result was inevitable from early on.

Derek Angol, the British cruiserweight, was yesterday undergoing medical tests in Italy after being knocked out by Massimiliano Duran during their European Boxing Union title fight in Ferrara on Tuesday night. Doctors said there was no cause for concern and that Angol would make a full recovery.