BOXING promoter Danny Morgan has backed cruiserweight fighter “Iron” Mike Bourne to step up a level after his latest knock-out performance.

Westcliff boxer Bourne knocked Bradford’s Brad Carter to the canvas in the third round of last Saturday’s “Talk of the Town” show, held at Liquid & Envy at Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

The final fight on the 13-fight card co-organised by Morgan Boxing Promotions and Dean Weaver, was expected to be a close contest, but Bourne blew his opponent away with some rapid blows and Morgan has back him to step up in the future.

“He was superb,” said Morgan. “I think it is time for him to step up a level. He is 30 and no-one stands a chance against him at this level.

“The show itself went really well.

“We had a huge amount of people come through the doors and the team at Liquid & Envy said they had never seen a show like it.”

Echo:

Trading blows – Jason Thirkell (red gloves) got the better of Shaun Langley

Around 900 boxing fans flooded to the venue to see the bouts, which featured some local fighters.

Rayleigh’s Max Kennedy was beaten in his fight with Mark Bailey of Romford, despite a strong showing.

Kennedy started strongly but was unable to stop Bailey taking the victory on a points decision.

Canvey’s Buster Stevens produced an impressive performance against Josh Nutley but couldn’t take the win his efforts deserved, with the bout ending a draw.

Elsewhere, there was an explosive contest between Jason Thirkell and Shaun Langley, which the former won in the second round after a fierce barrage of punches had Langley reeling.

The bout of the night was between Ricki Attreed and Mark Samuel. Both fighters gave their all and the fight ended a draw, which most agreed was a fair result.

Echo:

Left – Canvey’s Buster Stevens connects with a punch

There was also a notable win for veteran James Pritchard, who won his first fight after a 12-year break on his return to the ring.

Danny Duran was beaten on points by the former Canvey Boxing Club favourite.

Max Hawes beat Mark Collins with a second round TKO, dropping him to the canvas on three occasions in a dominant performance.

Danny James beat Travis Malcam, Daniel Lovett beat Todd Watkins, Rikki Webster beat Tom Barrett and Chrisy Stebbeds beat Jim Bowers on points decisions.

Brad Nugent claimed his first ever win with a stoppage in round three against Lawrence Broad, while Steve Faetz beat David Howard after the referee stopped the fight.

The evening also saw £1,000 raised for Noak Bridge's Sadie May - a toddler who suffers with cerebral palsy.

The next boxing fight night organised by Morgan Boxing Promotions – Judgement Day – will be held at Canvey’s Paddocks Community Centre on Saturday, April 25.