Fight of the Day: Errol Christie vs Mark Kaylor, November 5th 1985
Christie was a well-decorated amateur and was listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the only British boxer to win all 10 amateur titles.
After turning professional in 1982, he won his first 13 fights, 12 inside the distance. He earned the right to wear the Kronk Gym golden shorts after impressing its promoter Emanuel Steward while sparring there. With just one flash KO defeat, he went on to slay seven more, including a win over former Mexican champion Gonzalo Montes, before a bout with Mark Kaylor
Kaylor, himself a decorated amateur competing in the 1980 Olympics, had 27 professional wins with only three losses coming into the fight. On the lead-up, the two had a brawl outside a press conference in London which was surrounded in racist accusations, although many believed Kaylor himself had not displayed these views, but rather his fans. That summer, there had been an overabundance of racial tension throughout England due to riots and inequality. Regardless, the brawl and general tension certainly added needle to the bout.
Some call the first round of Haglar & Hearns the ultimate first round. I’d say that this bout experienced nearly all the fireworks that legendary fight had. (Even more when you consider an actual firework went off at ringside (as it was bonfire night)- listen out for it). With close vicious in-fighting Kaylor got the best of Christie early, knocking him down followed by the opposite occurring before the end of the first bell. What a war!
The pace carried on through to round 2 and into 3 as both boxers vied for success. Having been stung early by the inside work of Kaylor, Errol stuck behind his jab and managed to unload some ordnance. He managed to drop Kaylor in a quick succession of punches for the 2nd time. Kaylor rebounded but looked dazed.
The middle rounds saw Kaylor come back efficiently with a prowling style. Subduing the out-boxing efforts of Christie, Kaylor went to the body. His right-hand lead was particularly effective against the jab of Christie- flicking it over the top. The 7th round saw Christie rag dolled by the pressure fighting of Kaylor as the crowd buoyed.
With desperate determination, Christie lunged at the ex-champion with ferocious intent. Kaylor was able to block these attacks. He waited for the Christie jab and counterpunched with a perfectly timed right-hand lead followed by a left hook.
The bout was over but the men shared respect finally despite the terrible antics before.
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