Broughton closes in on English title fight

Durnan bends under Broughton’s attack. Picture: Inga Zulyte

MANAGER Anthony Manning has pledged to pull out all the stops and deliver an English title fight for Mykey Lee Broughton in his home city of Birmingham.

Manning made the promise after his classy lightweight widely outpointed brave and determined Owen Durnan at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on Sunday.

The Sheffield southpaw came with ambition, kept ploughing forward and had success in a stirring fourth and final round. Referee Pete McCormack scored it 40-37.

That’s Broughton’s 11th win against a sole, epic loss for the Midlands lightweight title. The 23-year-old is a very polished and poised operator.

After beating Durnan, he said: “I knew he was going to be a tough guy. It’s been an active year (four fights, four wins) and next year you’re going to see a much improved version of me.”

Manning said simply: “Next year we are going for the titles, we’re looking to bring the English title here.”

It’s the right course - Broughton now needs a stiffer test.

Against southpaw Durnan (10st 5lbs 2oz), who has now lost 15 of 18 outings, he touched with the jab in the first before landing long rights to head and body.

By the second the long rights had become hooks and my notes state: “Durnan walking into flak.”

Broughton (10st 2lbs 1oz) uncorked a classy right uppercut against the ropes in the third, although Durnan got through with two hooks to the body. Mykey Lee ended the session with a burst of punches.

The last proved the most competitive session, with Durnan pushing forward and landing to the ribs. Broughton blasted back as the pair let their fists fly down the stretch.

Broughton can reflect on a busy, successful 12 months and prepare for much more significant contests in 2025. That looks like being his breakout year.