NEW cruiser Jacob Lloyd exploded onto the pro scene last Friday with a one-round demolition.
At Dudley Town Hall, Lloyd – the first fighter from Shifnal’s Bright Star club to turn over with coach Mitch Roberts – overwhelmed Michael Osbourne.
The Isle of Man southpaw had not been floored, but was taking a stream of unanswered shots in a neutral corner when referee Ryan Churchill rightly stepped in at two minutes one seconds.
On a five fight BCB Promotions bill that was short on fireworks, Lloyd produced the big bang. In doing so, the 22-year-old stole the show.
After the quick victory, trainer Roberts said: “The goal remains the same – to leave the sport with no regrets. I’m excited for his journey.
“I’m very happy. Jacob stayed calm in the build-up and in the ring.”
Lloyd’s amateur stats are misleading. He had more losses than wins, but faced some of the best heavyweights on the domestic scene and acquitted himself well. That experience will serve him well.
Tall and well-schooled, he looks a useful addition to the paid game. Lloyd evidently hits harder than I thought he did.
“I’ve felt calm throughout,” he told me in the dressing room, “and I enjoyed every part of it.”
While it lasted, Lloyd (14st 6lbs) showed maturity to stay poised when he had Osbourne (13st 9lbs) hurt. He resisted the usual newcomer’s rush of blood and picked his shots to head and body.
Osbourne was softened-up with left hooks to the body and momentarily frozen by a right to the head.
He retreated, gloves cupped round face to a neutral corner, and subjected to a withering, sustained attack.
Lloyd slammed home punches – up and down – until Mr Churchill had seen enough. Osbourne, who has now lost both his pro outings, hadn’t been dropped, but he was on the brink of being dropped. He was broken.
A fighter never forgets his pro debut. Lloyd will have very happy memories of his boxing baptism.
