Boxing: Nikki Bascome & Andre Lambe Win
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Andre Lambe claimed the vacant American Boxing Federation regional welterweight title after defeating American Jose Ceja at The Shed in Dockyard last night.
Lambe secured a unanimous points victory over Ceja, a late replacement for Canadian Paul Ispas, who withdrew from the fight at the eleventh hour.
The Bermudian, who improves his professional record to six successive wins, was dominant throughout the contest, knocking down Ceja [1-11-2] twice.
“I knew he would be a tough opponent, and it was a bit of a chess match,” Lambe told Bernews.
“Ispas pulled out the day before the fight. We’re not really sure why. Although Ceja wasn’t eligible for the belt, I still was. All I had to do was make the weight and win the fight.”
The 27-year-old said he has set his sights on winning more regional titles.
“I told people I was going to get these regional belts and make my way towards the bigger ones,” Lambe added. “It’s still very early in my career, and I do have some other regional belts I am eligible for.”
In the Fight Night Champion main event, Nikki Bascome enjoyed a unanimous points win over Canadian Cody Kelly in their eight-round welterweight contest.
Bascome [11-1-0] said relief was his overriding emotion after beating Kelly [4-5-3], having endured a frustrating year, including two postponements after his opponents failed to show on the island.
“I was cautious about his left hand as I knew he liked to throw rapid punches to offset you and close the distance,” Bascome said. “I just tried to outbox him.
“I’m in great shape, and I felt good in the ring. Even though I’ve been inactive [since January], I’ve still been training here in Bermuda and Las Vegas.
“I never felt in trouble [against Kelly] and always felt comfortable. Hopefully, I can get another fight in January or February.
“I hope to get back out to Vegas to train under Jeff [Mayweather]. I’m at my best training there and soaking up all that knowledge.”
On the amateur undercard, Adrian Roach stopped Canadian Matthew-Scott Mahar Barbara 1min 06sec into the second round.
Roach showed too much quality for Barbara, forcing his opponent onto the ropes, and dropping him with a left hook to the body before the referee stepped in to wave the fight off.
“I’m always happy to get a stoppage, especially here at home,” said Roach, who has won 13 of his 18 bouts.
“It’s a big confidence booster. I felt really sharp in there and was picking my shots. I pressed the issue and didn’t give him any space to breathe.”
Roach, 20, returns to the ring for the Crandall University Chargers Boxing team in Calgary, Alberta, on November 5 and 6.
Michael Parsons clinched the first victory of his professional career, defeating Jamaican Gregory Miller on points.
“I made out with the win, which was the most important thing for me,” he said.
