Date: September 15th, 2023
Venue: Pryzm Leeds
Rules: Hybrid Boxing
Rounds: 4 x 2 Minute Rounds
Fight Card: Main Event Title Fight
For The McHugh’s Promotions 4oz Hybrid Boxing British Champion Belt
Fighter’s Information:
Luke Dyson (Huddersfield, England)
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’11” (180cm)
- Corner: Red Corner
- Walkout Song: “Turn On The Lights Again” by Fred Again & Swedish House Mafia ft. Future
- Past Record: Luke Dyson, a resilient boxer and fighter, has had 77 total fights in just two years, but has previously fallen short in a few title shots.
Darren “The Tarantula” Godfrey Jr. (Shropshire, England)
- Age: 35
- Height: 5’10” (178cm)
- Corner: Blue Corner
- Walkout Song: “Tarantula” by Pendulum Feat Fresh ft. Spyda & Tenor Fly
- Past Record: Darren Godfrey Jr. is a seasoned warrior with five British boxing championships to his name. He is a professional bare knuckle boxer and also ranks 7th rank in the world in Power Slap, making him one of the toughest opponents and heavy hitters that Luke has ever faced.
The atmosphere at Pryzm Leeds is electric as the main event of the night is about to start. In the red corner, Luke Dyson, known for his lightning-fast hands, prepares to face the formidable Darren “The Tarantula” Godfrey Jr, a five-time British boxing champion and a bare-knuckle boxer, who is fighting in the blue corner. The stage is set for an epic showdown with Darren Godfrey Jr. the crowd favourite due to his impressive fighting history, lightning speed and raw strength. Luke Dyson has previously experienced the heartbreak of losing title fights in the past, including a knockout defeat where he was just seconds away from victory on points. However, with 77 fights under his belt and the unwavering support of his friends and his fiancee, Hannah Toy, Dyson is determined to make this championship belt his own.
Fight Details:
Round 1: The opening round begins with Darren Godfrey Jr. trying to dominate, while Luke Dyson focuses on countering, evading and regrouping. Dyson attempts a big right swing, but Godfrey’s evasive skills are on full display as he skillfully avoids the blow. Dyson continues to search for openings, but Godfrey blocks and dodges with skill. In an electrifying exchange, both fighters unleash a barrage of punches, with Godfrey forced to clinch as Luke counters with relentless aggression. Dyson nods in acknowledgment of Godfrey’s quick hands, showcasing their mutual respect for each other’s skills. Dyson manages to land a couple of punches, but Godfrey’s defence holds strong, resulting in an even round and an explosive start, showcasing exactly why this is the main fight of the night.
Round 2: The start of second round explodes with both fighters in a furious exchange of punches, each blocking, dodging and striking with lightning speed. Godfrey seizes an opportunity to trap Dyson against the ropes, unleashing a barrage of powerful punches. Dyson, however, refuses to back down, creating some space and throwing some quick punches and launching a colossal swing that narrowly misses. Sensing vulnerability, Godfrey retaliates with a counterattack, but Dyson counters with a whirlwind of powerful punches that send Godfrey crashing to one knee resulting in a knockdown. Godfrey quickly gathers his composure just a few seconds later and re-engages Dyson in a thrilling exchange of punches that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. As the second round draws to an end, the crowd roars with excitement, sensing that this fight is far from over. Dyson, although in a strong position, remains aware of the formidable challenge that lies ahead in Godfrey Jr., a five-time champion and the current McHugh’s Promotions 4oz British Boxing Champion. This fight is far from over and Dyson knows he must stay focused to conquer the reigning champion and win his first belt.
Round 3: As the third round unfolds, Godfrey begins with a calculated series of light jabs, probing for openings, while Dyson remains vigilant, searching for that one impactful punch that could make the difference. With the speed of a tarantula’s strike, Godfrey’s left jab connects with Dyson’s face, showcasing his boxing prowess and proving why he’s called ‘The Tarantula’. Despite missing with a follow-up right hook, Dyson acknowledges his opponent’s skill and gestures for more.
Moments later, a stunning uppercut finds its mark on Godfrey’s face, followed by a quick combination that leaves Godfrey reeling against the ropes. As the referee initiates the count, the entire venue holds its breath. It becomes clear that he can’t rise and fight on, resulting in the fight being called off and Luke Dyson being awarded the victory by TKO in round three.
The arena erupts with excitement as Luke Dyson celebrates his hard-earned victory. He embraces his fiancee, Hannah Toy, who has been by his side throughout this challenging journey. Dyson’s friends, coaches and fans join in the celebrations. It’s a moment of triumph and redemption for Dyson and the joy is evident on his face. After a gruelling journey of 77 fights and rigorous training, he’s finally achieved the dream he’s always chased since he started this journey.
The referee officially declares Luke Dyson the new McHugh’s 4oz Gloves Hybrid Boxing Champion and Darren Godfrey Jr., a beast of a boxer, hands over the belt with respect. Both fighters have left it all in the ring, creating a memorable main event. McHugh’s Promotions has delivered a night of incredible action and the main event has provided the perfect conclusion, leaving all the boxing fans present with lasting memories of a hard-fought battle and a well-deserved new 4oz Gloves British Hybrid Boxing Champion in Luke Dyson.
Post-Fight Interviews:
Scott McHugh – McHugh Promotions Owner:
Scott McHugh, the owner of McHugh’s Promotions, was first to share his thoughts on the electrifying main event. When I asked him why he had chosen Luke Dyson for the main fight of the night and a title bout, Scott praised Dyson’s incredible work ethic, versatility and determination. He made it clear that Dyson had never backed down from a demanding bout and deserved this chance. He also mentioned that both are fighters are known for giving their all in the ring. Given Godfrey’s background as a bare-knuckle boxer, his ability to secure titles and fight is evident with him being champion already. Dyson was the one that had something to prove and he did, so well done to him.
Darren Godfrey Jr. – “The Tarantula”:
Darren Godfrey Jr. was gracious in defeat during his post-fight interview when I messaged him a week after the fight. He admitted that the fight had been much more challenging than he had anticipated, acknowledging Dyson’s exceptional performance. He also mentioned, “As a five-time boxing champion myself already, it was nice for me as a boxer to see Luke to win his first title belt. He definitely deserved it!”
Hannah Toy – Fiancee of Luke Dyson:
Hannah Toy, Luke Dyson’s fiancee, was also interviewed after the fight. She spoke emotionally about the sacrifices they had made together throughout Luke’s 77-fight career. From driving him to training sessions and fights to managing bookings and behind-the-scenes work, Hannah has been an integral part of Luke’s journey. Seeing her partner finally achieve his dream was one of the most cherished moments of her life, second only to Luke’s proposal to her in the boxing ring.
Lewis Churchward – Dyson’s Best Friend
Dyson’s best friend, had this to say: “It’s crazy to think that just two years ago, Luke was at home with a broken face from the night before, lounging on his couch. The very next day, thanks to Daz Moffat, who pulled him off that couch, he stumbled into his first ever fight, which turned out to be a pro MMA event in Birmingham and he became part of the co-main fight. Since that day, he’s never looked back and his transformation has been incredible. From someone who could barely fight off a flu, he’s now a proud British boxing belt holder.”
Summary:
The showdown for the McHugh’s 4oz Gloves British Hybrid Boxing Championship Title Belt between Luke Dyson and Darren Godfrey Jr. was a significant moment for Dyson. Luke, who had experienced previous losses in quite a few title fights, secured his first championship belt in this bout, emerging victorious by TKO in the third round. On a final note, when I was watching ‘At Home With The Furys’ on TV last month, who would’ve thought I’d be in Halifax’s own version of it a month later!
Fight Highlights Video:
Pictures From The Night:
