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Little Bull is back in style

27/ 1/2005

LANGLEY middleweight Matthew Hall, nicknamed "El Torito" is back in the ring after recovering from a broken hand.

The 20-year-old stepped onto a bill in Bridgend at 24 hours notice to face Brighton's Lee Wicks, a veteran of 88 fights.

It was only a four-rounder, but it provided a useful workout for the exciting prospect.

Wicks, a southpaw, was intent on frustrating the Collyhurst and Moston star and held on at every opportunity, but he was fighting for survival from the first bell.

Hall tore into Wicks, bobbing and weaving inside his raking right jabs then unleashing short, powerful hooks to the body.

Throughout the four rounds Wicks was busy protecting himself and doing his best not to get knocked out. Hall never gave him a moment's respite.

At the end of the bout Wicks walked over to Hall's corner and said: "That was my last fight. I had gone the distance in my last 23 fights, but I thought it was all over when that kid caught me with those hooks. This kid is something special."

The referee had no hesitation in lifting Hall's arm. He scored it 40-36 which meant Hall had won every round comfortably.

An interested spectator was Goody Petronelli who was manager and trainer of Marvellous Marvin Hagler throughout his career.

He said: "The kid Hall is a fight fan's dream. He comes to fight. With more experience, and providing he continues learning, he can become a champion."