MATCHROOM mogul Eddie Hearn compared Kash Farooq’s style to two of boxing’s greats and believes a re-match with Lee McGregor would sell out the Glasgow Hydro.
Farooq improved his record to 15-1 with a unanimous points decision against Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza in the Copperbox Arena in London last night.
Espinoza’s dogged persistence meant the fight went the full 10 rounds, giving Farooq the chance to showcase his repertoire of skills as he mixed up body shots, jabs and uppercuts alongside his trademark evasive movement.
In just his second fight under the Matchroom banner, the Glaswegian bantamweight picked up the WBC International Silver title following an accomplished performance against a hardy opponent.
The judges’ cards – 97-93, 97-95 and 97-94 – did not do justice to the gulf between the two men although the cuts sustained by Farooq in the later rounds proved he had been in a scrap.
Hearn seemed to row back on his previous comments when he suggested Farooq was close to world title contention, instead believing a re-match with Edinburgh’s McGregor would prove a more alluring alternative.
“Espinoza came with the belt and wanted to defend his honour so he came here to win,” said Hearn.
“And it was a brilliant fight. I know Kash is from Scotland but he fights like a Mexican, like a young Ricardo Lopez. He actually reminds me a bit also of James Toney with the way he sits in the pocket.
“It all comes so naturally to Kash. But in that division it’s so difficult to win a world title and he still has to improve. He took too many shots. But, my goodness, he’s great to watch. So fluid.
“I know the dream is to win a world title but we have to see the Lee McGregor re-match. Lee is a great fighter who had a tremendous win for the European title.
“Everyone has their opinions on their first fight but it’s totally irrelevant. The re-match would sell out the Hydro in Glasgow every single day of the week.
“And the winner of that fight should get to fight for a world title. It would be a tremendous fight and one that both men need as there’s a lot of unfinished business there.
“The first one was unbelievable to watch and I’d love to do it again. If this fight tonight had been in the Hydro the place would have been alight.
“Kash can really fight, he’s tremendous to watch and I hope people at home start following him.”
Farooq was happy enough with his night’s work, believing he had thrived as the underdog to take Espinoza’s belt.
“I’m over the moon with the performance,” said the St Andrew’s Sporting Club fighter. “I knew it was going to be tough as I came in as the underdog and he was the champion. He took some really heavy shots but kept coming as he didn’t want to give up his title. But I wasn’t going to be denied.
“I put in a lot of work in the gym but a lot of my shots are just second nature. I can see when a punch is coming and know what my opponent is going to throw.”
Earlier in the night, another Scot, Nick Campbell, enjoyed the perfect professional debut. The former Glasgow Warriors lock was scheduled to go six rounds with Petr Frohlich but needed just two to dominate the Czech journeyman.
Donning Campbell tartan shorts, the 31-year-old got to work right away, mixing thudding body shots with jabs to the head.
With little coming back from Frohlich, referee Bob Williams waved it off after 41 seconds of the second round.
“I’m not used to a stage like this in a boxing sense so I was a wee bit nervous,” said Campbell, now based out of Jersey. “But I was eager to get in there and show what I can do. Fair play to the lad, he took a few shots there.
“It was just good to get the experience. I want to learn as much as I can, develop and see where it takes me.
“There’s never been a Scottish British heavyweight champion. And anyone who turns pro and doesn’t dream of winning titles, shouldn’t do it. I’m here to test myself against the best in Britain and see where I can go.”
Hearn was impressed with what he saw from ringside.
“I thought Nick looked good and put his shots together lovely. He’s clearly got a great engine.
“Frohlich normally goes the distance with good young prospects but he just got overwhelmed and overpowered.
“Nick has shown he can fight and he’s got potential. He’s exciting, he’s Scottish, he’s huge, he can punch, he’s all-action and he’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to his next fight.”
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