Bird soars to famous victory on the box

Bideford Boxing Club’s Aaron Bird successfully defended his Celtic Light Heavyweight Title in a rematch with Scottish Champion Bobby Morrell, which was broadcast live on the BBC.

The rematch was co-main event on the ‘Gladiators 2’ show at the Caledonia Arena in Scotland.

Bird started brightly in the 10-round contest, boxing from range and working off his trademark jab. In round four, Morrell started gambling more and caught Bird off guard with a big left hook.

Bird quickly refocused, with his hit and move approach all frustrating the Scotsman, walking him into big shots in a classy display of boxing. The performance was reflected by the judges’ scorecards, who returned the joyful result of a unanimous win for Bird.

“The best night of my life, I showed everyone what I am capable of tonight,” said Bird. “I have trained so hard for a hard fight but my boxing ability got me through this one. I believe the improvements I have made in the last 12 months was there for all to see.

“Last time, we had a war, tonight I felt very comfortable in there. I owe a lot of thanks to the team around me creating these opportunities and helping me improve every day. I believe this is just the start.

“I’m a champion now in a TV fight and this is where I belong. I want the British Title in the next 18 months and I know I’m more than capable of winning it.”

Bird’s delight was echoed by his trainer and manager at Bideford Boxing Club, Richard Grigg, who added: “What a night in Scotland. Great to hear those words ‘And still the light heavyweight Celtic Champion Aaron Bird’.

“What a platform to perform on, live on BBC TV in a packed-out arena. Massive credit needs to go to the team at St Andrews Sporting Club, they put on a top event and treated us very well throughout.

“As always, it takes two to tangle and I have the utmost respect for Bobby Morrell and his team. He is a tough brave man who didn’t stop coming from start to finish, he brought the best out of our man. Our hand was raised last night but Bobby is a great fighter and his time will come again.

“The rematch was inevitable after the first fight, which saw a tight bout on the cards. I believe what we saw this time from Aaron Bird was a great amateur develop into a great pro overnight.

“Lessons were learned from the first fight; mistakes were corrected and he put in a faultless disciplined performance throughout to get the points win. Thanks for all the support, it has been amazing throughout. Scotland you have been great to us, two amazing fights out here.

“Aaron Bird will now have a few weeks rest and enjoy his win. We will then see what offers are on the table before plotting our next move. But things are looking great, a 6-0 record, Celtic Champion and getting better all the time.”