ALTRINCHAM, ENGLAND – Mark Dickinson defeated Reece Farnhill in an entertaining contest for the English super middleweight title at Altrincham’s Planet Ice.

Dickinson, competing in his first contest at 168lbs, was made to work in every minute of every round by Farnhill, now 11-1 (4 KOs), but took a wide victory on the scorecards. Farnhill suffered a cut over his right eye early into the contest but it did not deter him from bringing the fight to Dickinson, now 8-1 (2 KOs). The cards did not reflect Farnhill’s effort, however, as they read 99-92, 98-92, 98-93 to the challenger Dickinson.

Earlier, light middleweight William Crolla, younger brother of former lightweight champion Anthony Crolla, had to work for his victory over the tough Emmanuel Zion. Crolla, now 8-0 (6 KOs), has been making light work of his opponents of late, but was pushed all the way by Zion, now 6-4 (3 KOs). The scorecards read 58-57 in favor of Crolla after the full six-round contest.

The light heavyweight Conner Tudsbury picked up the second win of his professional career with a points victory over the awkward Robbie Connor. Tudsbury, now 2-0 (1 KO), used his jab well but was unable to land the power shots that had brought him so much success in his debut. Connor, now 3-4-2, was able to take Tudsbury the distance, although lost every round. The scorecards read 60-54 to Tudsbury.

Taylor Bevan impressed yet again with a stunning first round finish over Ales Makovec. The now 3-0 (3 KOs) super middleweight did not rush his work, and when the opportunity to take out Makovec, now 5-3-1 (3 KOs), presented itself, he took it. Bevan landed a well-placed left uppercut to the chin of his opponent, rendering Makovec unconscious. The time of the stoppage was 2.15 of Round 1.

Liam Taylor had a successful six-round run-out against Jamie Stewart ahead of challenging for Conah Walker’s British welterweight title later this year. Taylor, now 28-2-1 (14 KOs), was fighting for the first time in 12 months, and was made to work by Stewart, now 4-11 (4 KOs). Regardless, Taylor took a landslide victory by a score of 60-54.