McAllister performance praised
Lee McAllister's second defence of his Commonwealth lightweight title might not have been sparkling but it will do him the world of good, according to his manager and promoter Tommy Gilmour.
The Aberdeen Assassin was appearing live on Sky for the first time on Friday night in Glasgow's Bellahouston Leisure Centre but he made hard work of his fight against the awkward Ghanaian Samuel Amoako. The 27-year-old was strangely tentative throughout the fight, performing only in bursts, but that was enough to nick enough rounds to record a 116-112, 117-112, 117-112 victory on the judges scorecards.
The Aberdonian declared himself unhappy with his performance afterwards saying: "The real Lee McAllister didn't turn up."
However, Gilmour preferred to look at the bigger picture for his fighter.
He said: "In the past when he was very praiseworthy of himself, I took a different view so again we are disagreeing.
"He didn't knock his opponent out - so what?
"I think he did very well against a guy who was much better schooled than most.
"He came with a bit of skill as well as heart and fitness which is why Lee couldn't take too many chances.
"So as much as we would have liked to have seen Lee go four or five rounds then the guy getting knocked out or stopped, we have ended up with him having to box 12 rounds against the mandatory contender.
"It's those sort of fights Lee needs. I would like to have him fighting again before the summer, we will just need to see about dates."
Date published :
30 Jan 2010 - 09:23:00
