Massey racks up second pro win in ‘tough’ fight

High Peak cruiserweight Jack Massey scored a second professional victory last weekend, with another impressive showing in the paid ranks.
Chapel's Jack Massey (right) on his way to a points win over Will Burkin.Chapel's Jack Massey (right) on his way to a points win over Will Burkin.
Chapel's Jack Massey (right) on his way to a points win over Will Burkin.

The 20-year-old from Chapel-en-le-Frith recorded a win in the four-round bout against Sheffield’s Will Burkin at the Reebok in Bolton on Saturday evening.

Massey inflicted a cut to the eye of his opponent in the third round as he went on to record a 40-38 points victory, with the pair having shared two rounds.

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Jack’s father David Massey says Burkin was a good test at this early stage in his son’s career. He said: “It was a good showing for Jack because Burkin was a tough opponent.

“Jack looked in control for the majority but he maybe took his foot off the gas towards the end.

“Jack was hitting big shots but fair play to Burkin he kept covered up well and seemed to keep coming back, which is something Jack needs to get used to.”

The victory followed up Massey’s debut win over Jody Meikle in July, also in Bolton.

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Massey went into the Burkin fight knowing his opponent was something of an unknown quantity as the Sheffielder was also only competing in his second professional bout.

That, combined with the South Yorkshire fighter’s thai boxing background, could have proved problematic for Massey, but the Bobby Rimmer-trained fighter shrugged off those suggestions to chalk up another impressive win.

Burkin’s trainer Sean Thickett reflected on the fight, saying: “It was a tough fight but Will definitely gave it a go.

“He lost but was in with a very good lad.”

Massey senior also confirmed that Jack reported no ill-effects from the aftermath of Saturday night.

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He added: “Jack had one day off after the fight but was straight back in the gym the day after.”

Massey’s next fight will take place in Blackpool on Friday November 15.

He will be on the undercard of unbeaten home fighter Jack Arnfield’s light-middleweight bout against Max Maxwell.