Ted Cheeseman suffers first defeat as European title challenge proves too tall a challenge
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Ted Cheeseman’s unbeaten record – and hope of becoming European super-welterweight champion – were ended tonight as he lost a unanimous decision to Sergio Garcia.
The Spanish champion was too good for the brave South Londoner, who soaked up an incredible amount of punishment.
Two of the judges had Garcia winning by scores of 119-109 – dropping just one round – and that looked about right. Amazingly another official had it as an ultra-close 115-114.
Cheeseman’s face was badly swollen by the end and blood streamed from his nose for a large chunk of the contest.
Garcia’s work-rate was so much more controlled as he found the challenger easy to hit.
Photograph by Keith Gillard
Photograph by Keith Gillard
Towards the end the Bermondsey man had his hands by his side as he allowed clean shots to land.
Cheeseman’s bravery was incredible, but these are the kind of gruelling losses which shorten a career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Firstly Ted Cheeseman deserves so much credit and respect. He is only 23 and I have never seen someone try so hard when they are so far behind in the fight.
“He gave it everything. Sometimes when you are eight or nine rounds down then you think about coasting through and just going the distance. Never was he not trying to win the fight.
“Ted made mistakes, he got hit too easily and didn’t use the jab. He thinks he can overpower and walk over people. But Garcia is incredibly fit.
Photograph by Keith Gillard
“Sometimes you step up from British to European and you’re not good enough or ready.
“He stepped from Britush to European level and was not quite good enough. He has got heart of an absolute lion. He did not quit for one second, he tried every second to win the fight.
“The level of Sergio Garcia was too too good. Ted Cheeseman will come again. He can’t just walk guys down and outwork them.
“He [Garcia] is top four with the WBC. This loss is no disgrace.
“He [Cheeseman] has the heart of a lion, but he can’t keep taking shots like that otherwise it is going to be a long career.”
PICTURE BY KEITH GILLARD
