Chris Blaney loses after war with Stokes
Chris Blaney [11(3)-2-1] suffered defeat for a second time as a pro over in England on Saturday night.
With all eyes on Celtic Clash 8 the Meath fighter’s Northampton-hosted bout flew somewhat under the radar.
The Navan man, with Irish middleweight title ambitions, took on Tom Stokes [11(1)-2(1)], a fighter with a similar record to his own, at light heavyweight- and things didn’t quite go to plan.
Blaney suffered away defeat losing out on the scorecards by a single point.
It’s the second time the ‘Ginja Ninja’ suffered a reverse, his first coming last March in Last Man Standing after an enthralling three rounds with Jack Cullen.
By all accounts Saturday’s clash trumped the aforementioned in terms of excitement with reports suggesting it was a war from star to finish. Unfortunately it was a battle Blaney came out the wrong side of.
Stokes was an interesting choice of opponent for the Ricky Hatton-trained fighter. The former BBBofC Midlands Area title challenger obviously has something about him and to take him on in England was somewhat of a risk.
Not to mention it was only Blaney’s second fight back after a year out with eye injury, the last being a draw with Owen Joburn.
The plan seemed to be, rid the Navan man of some ring rust before a domestic title fight at home in late Summer early Autumn, but Saturday’s defeat may see a temporary deviation in the plotted path.
Speaking on social media the fighter remained upbeat.
“Lost last night by 1 point, absolute war for 6 rounds. I thought I won and so did a lot of other people, but it’s one of them. On to the next one, these are the fights I want, thanks to everyone for there lovely texts, I’ll be back better again!”
