In a perfect end to 2013, Stuart Hall became the toast of British boxing on Saturday December 21 when he conquered South Africa’s Vusi Malinga to become the IBF world bantamweight champion at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.
Darlington’s Hall had to weather a heavy storm at times, but he unleashed his own thunder and lightning in a dramatic encounter to overcome the brave challenge of the incredibly tough Malinga.
‘Stuey’, led into the ring by the North East’s only other world champ Glenn McCrory, had Vusi over heavily for a count in round three, but wasn’t able to nail him to the deck. Instead the visitor came back even stronger and relentlessly pursued Hall for the remainder of the bout.
Malinga wasn’t able to out-punch the fighter from ‘Darlo’ though and, under intense pressure, Stuart gritted his teeth and kept firing back to repel the African’s attacks.
In a fight-of-the-year contender the pair slugged away at each other continuously, with the North East man’s eye looking like something out of a horror movie by the final bell.
When the unanimous decision was announced, Hall and his supporters celebrated knowing history had been made and that North East boxing would be able to look forward to a huge 2014 with a world title defence hopefully happening in the region.
Congratulations ‘Stuey’. “AND THE NEW …”
For a full report visit The Northern Echo
