Anthony Small, 25, promised to win his fight for his country and confidently proclaimed the togetherness in the UK camp would bring victory to himself and his team. I'm on a 'Spank-A-Yank' tour and there is no way I'm losing to my opponent Walter Wright.



Walter 2 Guns Wright, 26, is best known for his appearance in Season 2 of The Contender where he beat Andre Eason before eventually losing to Cornelius K9 Bundrage at the quarter final stage. He sees his two career loses as learning experiences and something that has only made him a stronger and more determined fighter.



Neither fighter disappointed with their ring entrances. Wright came out to the Contender theme sporting a Newcastle United football shirt. With mainly a Newcastle based crowd the American fighter had already gained the respect of the some of the British audience, who surprisingly seemed to take to the American boxer. Small came out to the ring sporting a now trademark Scream mask and dancing in a style which appeared to be influenced by former World Champion and British fighter Prince Naseem Hamed.



The fight started very tentatively, neither boxer willing to take too many risks and both concentrating on their defence and counter punching style. By the fifth and sixth round the crowd started to become very anxious and began booing the lack of action presented by the two boxers. The referee also got involved a couple of times during the fight, requesting the boxers look to attack more and get involved.



The fight finally burst into life in the final round and the crowds jeers turned into cheers as both fighters began to look for the knockout win, possibly believing they were behind on the cards.



With a dramatic last three minutes both fighters tried to make up for their lack of action during the fight. At first it looked as though Wright took the advantage. With Small finally looking to impress the crowd he came inside and got caught by a couple of great hooks, leaving him bleeding badly from his nose. That seemed to turn the fight as Small was again caught by more shots, one of which completely took his legs away as he collapsed on Wrights shoulder. A stunned crowd looked in anticipation as Wright started to take advantage of Anthony Small?s unorthodox, hands down style, repeatedly catching Small with straight rights and hooks. If not for Wrights lack of stamina and ambition he may have knocked Small out before the final bell but instead he ended up punching himself out.



THE CONTENDER Wright Vs. Small




Eventually the fight went down to points and a split decision victory for Anthony Small, 76-77, 77-75 and 78-74.



Walter Wright seemed very unhappy with the result, but after watching the fight he only had himself to blame. During the first 7 rounds there was little to no action and if Wright pushed the fight a bit more he may well have come out with the decision himself. Instead he allowed Small to steal the early rounds with his flashy speed, unorthodox style and movement.



Although Small won he did seem to lose a lot of fans as well. He came into the fight with a cocky and brash attitude, but he didn?t really live up to his billing as he struggled to concentrate and take control of the fight. He may also have been humbled by the crowds disappointment in his performance and a terrible last round. If he wants to win over the fans in Britain he will have to show more attacking intent or some more humility.



1-0 to the UK in the Sugar Ray Leonard Cup.