JERSEY Thai boxer Michael Blood is ready to challenge for a British title fight, says his trainer Rob Mitchell.

Blood easily won his bout over Birmingham’s Leko Wright at the Metropole Hotel last weekend, out-thinking and performing his challenger to take a unanimous decision. Mitchell said: ‘This was the fight of the night – Michael had the crowd up on its feet, and it very much looked like business as usual. I have told him I will get him a British title fight soon, and his performance on Saturday proved he is ready to fight with the best of them.’

It was another favourable decision for novice boxer Alex Frain, who sparked the upset of the night with his win over experienced fighter and local favourite Gareth Thomas. The crowd erupted as Frain, who was enlisted at the last minute to replace an East Midlands opponent, was declared victorious after three rounds.

Mitchell said: ‘I knew Alex couldn’t match Gareth for technique, so I told him to put pressure on Gareth from the start, and not allow him to get into his rhythm. Those tactics proved the decider for Alex – he took the fight to three rounds and showed great heart.’ Blood’s bout with Wright headlined an evening of superb Thai boxing, in aid of the Marie Ryder Cancer Fund, with many Jersey fighters pitched against UK boxers.

• Picture: Demonstration bout between Decio Ferreira (left) and Ben Kemish at the Thai Boxing event.

• Pictures: Jon Guegan                      • Picture sales: Click here