York Hall was the venue for the fascinating match-up between the outspoken Anthony "Sugar Ray Clay Jones Jr" Small, 17(11)-1-0, and tough veteran Mehrdud "The Margate Rock" Takalobigashi, 25(17)-6-0, better known as Takaloo.



On the line, the vacant Southern Area light-middleweight title, but the most interesting aspect of this fight was how the unorthodox Small would bounce back from his first loss against Commonwealth Champion Bradley Pryce in July 2007 and also to see what Takaloo had left in the tank after losing his WBU Welterweight Title in April 2007 to tough Michael Jennings.



After a cagey opening where both fighters looked to size each other up it was in the 3rd round when the action really started to heat up. Smalls eye catching left hooks were beginning to hit its target and after getting cut above his left eye Takaloo was dropped by a sizzling left hook to the jaw. As Takaloo got up he still looked to be on rubbery legs but somehow fought his way out of the round to survive.



At the start of the 4th round Takaloo appeared as though he?d recovered from the knockdown and looked a lot stronger catching Small with some significant shots, but Small?s speed advantage was evident throughout as he sent Takaloo to the canvas again. Claiming a slip Takaloo got to his feet, but the referee had already started counting and Small notched up another 10-8 round.



The 5th and 6th rounds were more of the same. Takaloo proving how tough and brave he is, continually coming forward looking for the knockout and forcing Small onto the ropes whilst getting caught by high-speed combinations from Small who was winning the rounds maybe not easily but comfortably. The end looked near.





 





Indeed in the 7th round the end came when Takaloo was floored for the 3rd time in the fight and after beating the count the referee decided he?d seen enough and rightfully stopped the fight to hand Small a well deserved win.



Now it looks like Small, 26 has to move onto more recognized titles such as the British title and fulfill the potential he insists he possesses. As for Takaloo, now 32, it looks like this may be the last fight of his eventful career which he has included a WBO World Title shot and 3 reigns as WBU Champion.