Micky steeds makes a successful return to the boxing ring

By Simon Hayes on April 24, 2008 9:00 AM |

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IT WAS 13th time lucky for Micky Steeds as he made his long-awaited return to the ring.

The Isle of Dogs boxer beat the veteran Paul Bonson on Friday night (April 19), in what was his 13th professional bout, after almost a year out of the fight game.

“I’m glad to have got that one out of the way,” said Steeds. “I’m pleased it wasn’t unlucky. It was a tough fight but it’s what I needed after a year out, so I’m happy.”

It was Steeds’ first fight since last May, and only his second at cruiserweight, having moved down from the heavyweight division.

He’s spent that time getting in shape but his rustiness was evident during the eight-round bout at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, as he struggled to find his range before winning on points.

“I couldn’t get my [punching] distance at first but by the seventh or eighth round I felt I was getting there a bit more,” said Steeds. “It’s been a long time since I fought so it wasn’t surprising but I’ll be back in the ring in a few weeks and I’ll just get better.”

Steeds has signed a four-fight deal with top promoter Frank Maloney so this year promises to be busy.
Bonson, who has fought former world champions Enzo Maccarinelli and Clinton Woods during his 121-bout career, was a difficult opponent, as Steeds acknowledged.

He said: “Bonson’s as tough as nails. He’s been the distance with Maccarinelli, Woods, Mark Hobson – all the top men.

“He knows his stuff, he came in close and was holding on to me on the blind side of the ref, which made it difficult.”

The 24-year-old now plans an assault on the British title, although he knows he has a way to go before he gets that chance.

“I need a couple more [fights] before I step up for a title fight,” he said. “I’ve got four guaranteed before Christmas, so hopefully one of them will be for a title.”

Steeds’ manager/trainer Mark Roe has been carefully nurturing the boxer and feels he’s well-equipped for the cruiserweight division.

He said: “We’ve worked hard on Micky’s fitness and he’s got good punching power. He’s learning all the time and hopefully we’ll get him lined up for the Southern Area title before the end of the year.”

His next fight is likely to be in late May. Until then Steeds will be working hard in the gym, although he revealed he was looking forward to a more traditional Friday night after beating Bonson.

He said: “I’ve hardly eaten anything while I’ve been training for this fight. So I’m going to have a nice curry, a couple of beers and chill out a bit.”

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk