Maxi Hughes defeated Archie Sharp via unanimous decision in one of the dullest championship 12-rounders ever seen in a British ring.
Hopes were high for this matchup, staged in Doncaster, England’s open air Keepmoat Stadium, given the careers of both were seemingly at stake. In the end, thanks to scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 120-108, Hughes improved to 28-7-2 (6 KOs) but Sharp, 25-2 (9 KOs), might struggle to secure another meaningful contest, such was the astonishing negativity on display.
Hughes’ career rejuvenation began in August 2020 with an upset victory over Jono Carroll. Triumphs over Paul Hyland, Jovanni Straffon, Ryan Walsh and Kid Galahad followed over the next two years. But a contentious points defeat to George Kambosos Jnr and then a stoppage loss to William Zepeda seemed to signal the end of his Cinderella story. But Hughes came back with two more wins, the scalp of Gary Cully last December the most noteworthy.
The 30-year-old Sharp, five years Hughes’ junior, has long been well regarded in the United Kingdom but after racking up 25 straight wins against largely solid but unspectacular opposition, he came unstuck against Ryan Garner last July. Hughes vs. Sharp was a domestic crossroads bout in every way, and one keenly awaited by British hardcore fans. It nonetheless proved beyond disappointing.
Who was winning after six rounds, given the complete lack of action, was anyone’s guess. Hughes, a southpaw, dutifully skipped towards his foe, even landing the odd grazing blow to the body. Yet Sharp fought as if faced with a peak Mike Tyson: dancing away, poking out his left arm, and showboating when at a safe distance. As for any punches of real note, well, there were none.
Even the WBC might have regretted putting their silver lightweight bauble on the line until, in Round 7, a punch landed that merited the first slow motion replay of the fight. It was a sweeping left hand from Hughes that cracked into the chin of Sharp to send him careering backwards. Momentarily, a knockdown looked likely.
There was a hint of urgency in the eighth and ninth as Sharp, though far from aggressive, seemed a tad happier to take some risks while Hughes continued to position himself in range and do his darndest to repeat his earlier moment of success.
The respite from the mind-numbing boredom proved brief, however. The 10th was instantly forgettable, as was the 11th: Sharp, seemingly believing he was ahead, back peddled and flicked the odd jab.
It was difficult not to feel a little sorry for Hughes who remarkably retained his patience into the 12th and final session. But the final three minutes were just like the previous 33 and the subdued cheers that greeted the final bell were surely a signal of relief.