Billy boxing his way to pro fame

Bideford boxer Billy Stanbury is continuing to make a serious impression on the professional ranks after a dominant points victory over Seamus Devlin in the main event bout at Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday night.

Stanbury stalked his opponent throughout the fight, landing some crunching body shots. Devlin was hurt from a left hook to the head in round three and a right hook to the body again in round six.

The finish didn’t come but Stanbury once again set a relentless pace, staying on the front foot for all six rounds. Stanbury now moves to four fights undefeated as a professional and is looking a top prospect in the middleweight division.

“I am over the moon with how things have gone so far in my pro career,” said Stanbury. “In every fight, I feel more comfortable and I’m definitely adapting to the pro style.

“There is an adjustment when boxing against smaller guys, who have a lot of pace and tempo. I’m growing into every fight and I feel like there is improvement all the time.

“The win in Plymouth on Saturday has really catapulted me to the next stage. The atmosphere was electric, I had over 100 fans down from North Devon and the support was amazing.

“The next fight is in Swindon in four weeks and another step up because my opponent has a few wins on his record, but that’s what I need to progress my career.

“I am completely injury-free, the Covid period is out of the way, thankfully, and it is great to be finding a proper rhythm after a disruptive start to my career. Like any boxer, my dream goal is to one day fight for a British title.”

Two young Bideford boxers won at Plymouth Argyle Stadium on Friday night. Ella Peach, 12, dominated Mia Niecharz from Devonport in the first round before stopping her with a straight right cross in the second round. Leo Mcmenamin, 11, won all 3 rounds against Joseph Murray from Devonport, giving him two standing counts along the way.