Tompkins-Howells looks a tasty battle

Todd Tompkins…again rolls the dice at the Holiday Inn

WHAT began as a small, Sunday afternoon bill at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn has grown into something much more substantial and significant.

The original five fight card has swelled to seven – and there’s some meaty scraps on the menu after diners have polished off their roast dinners.

For me, the pick is the late addition of unbeaten Todd Tompkins and former top Welsh international Lewis Howells in a super-middleweight four rounder. That has “fight of the show” written all over it.

As promoter Jon Pegg said: “I don’t care who wins, I just think it’s a great fight.”

It’s an intriguing one. Tompkins, from Rushden, Northamptonshire, is fit and brave and is turning out to be a much better pro than I thought he would be.

I like the way the 28-year-old is rolling the dice with his career. Last time out, in only his third contest, Todd risked his “0” against fellow hungry and unbeaten apprentice Jay Castledine. It was a refreshing change from the early journeymen diet fed to beginners.

The result was a cracking contest won by southpaw Tompkins on points.

On Sunday, he again gambles against a 27-year-old who reached heights in the unpaid ranks that Todd only dreamed of.

Howells, from Newport, Wales, but now living with his wife and family in Stratford-upon-Avon, had over 70 amateur bouts, represented his country and won a national title. Tompkins had 10 for Kettering ABC before turning over.

Howells has ability and he’s only lost to the best in a 3-2 pro career. Kyran Jones outpointed him in a battle of then unbeaten Welsh internationals. Last time out former Commonwealth games gold and European bronze medallist Sam Hickey demolished Howells in under a round.

It’s Lewis’ commitment and dedication that I’ve questioned. Both, I believe, played a part in his inability to handle Hickey’s body shots.

Tompkins is no Hickey, but he’s brave and aggressive. And Howells only got the call to fight this week so may be short on match fitness. He’s not the kind of boxer who trains day in, day out in case a late notice fight emerges. He needs a date.

Tompkins had prepared to box the night before on a show that was cancelled and is ready.

Howells’ trainer, Derek Fitzpatrick, said: “Lewis is the better technician, the better boxer, Todd is fit and game.”

Lewis may try to use that technical edge. Sooner or later, however, the two will meet head-to-head and sparks will fly.

Liam O’Hare…first fight since losing his Midlands title

Sometimes a fighter’s first loss – particularly when it comes by stoppage in a title fight – forever takes something from him. They’re not quite the same.

That’s what adds intrigue to Liam O’Hare’s return following his sixth round defeat to Ollie Cooper in November. Have the mental scars healed?

The Hereford man, unbeaten in 10, lost his Midlands super-middleweight belt in that barnstormer.

The Eastside gym, Birmingham, boxer should get back to winning ways on Sunday. The four rounder against Jordan Grannum, one of the best journeymen out there and a veteran of close to 170 contest, looks a routine points win.

Grannum, though is still, capable of pulling off upsets.

Eastside’s Jon Pegg believes Liam is better for that first loss. He said: “It’s improved his attitude. Before, he felt nothing was ever good, he was just negative in himself and not even rightly so.

“He’s learned he just needs to enjoy what he’s doing. He’s also a rock solid middleweight now, not a blown-up super-middle.”