Boxing: Oakey's fitness the decisive factor

Steve Bunce
Monday 27 May 2002 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It was as hard and close as expected and when the final bell sounded after 12 rounds Tony Oakey had delighted his faithful followers and retained his World Boxing Union light-welterweight on points over Neil Simpson at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, on Saturday night.

Oakey had started slowly and never took control of the gruelling fight until round nine but from then until the final bell his fitness was the decisive factor and he was able to outwork the former British champion Simpson and take a tight but deserved unanimous verdict.

"It was not my best performance but I knew that I was fitter and stronger and that was enough in the end," said Oakey, who is now unbeaten in 16 fights.

Oakey now wants a fight with former British and European light-heavyweight champion Clinton Woods, who is also the number one contender for Roy Jones's four world light-heavyweight titles.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in