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Simply awesome!

13/ 2/2002

DAVID Barnes, the 20-year-old Collyhurst and Moston star welterweight, dismantled experienced Nottingham fighter David Kirk at the MEN Arena, on Saturday.

The scheduled four-round contest ended in the first. Barnes gave an awesome performance that had the ringsiders singing his praises.

Kirk, who had fought all the top British welterweights, was never given a chance as Barnes used a variety of punches which carried power and accuracy.

From the opening seconds, the left eyebrow of the Nottingham boxer was badly cut, and a lump the size of an egg appeared.

Barnes, boxing to instructions, cut the ring down and cut off every escape route for his opponent. His presence and ring-craft stamped him as something special.

Just before the bell Barnes connected with a stunning left hook, and Kirk hit the canvas. He was up at eight, but before the next round could start his corner decided enough was enough.

Promoter Frank Warren said: "Brian Hughes (Barnes' coach) has done a magnificent job on David since he turned pro last year. People forget that a young prospect's career has to be planned.

"Brian and myself know exactly how to develop these potential champions, and we work closely. I have the greatest respect for Brian's judgement, and I will not take a match for David unless Brian agrees. The lad certainly looks the goods."

Michael Jennings faced James Paisley in a scheduled six rounds welterweight contest.

Jennings boxed masterfully, and the referee wisely stopped a one-sided affair in the third round.

The first two rounds were open class boxing, as Jennings boxed sweetly and punched rapidly. His stinging left jabbing was a sight to behold, and his footwork was reminiscent of a world-class ballroom dancer.

It was no real surprise when a halt was called by the referee who took the game but badly marked Paisley back to his corner.

Thomas McDonagh drew with Brazilian Tomaz Da Silva in a weary four-round light middleweight contest.

This was a fight that the multi-talented McDonagh could, and should have won at a canter. Three times he had the London based Brazilian on the verge of being stopped, but backed away.