Grimes forgets his boxing in stoppage loss

Billed as a genuine 50-50 fight, light welterweight Grimes, 29, took the first round as he showed off his superior boxing, but still got involved in some unnecessary scraps.

After some good combinations Grimes landed a solid left hook which shook Ockuku to his core, but he rallied and returned the favour when Grimes came in with his hands at his waist.

Grimes unwisely went for all-out attack rather than using his skills and, when Grimes failed to cover up, Ockuku landed three big shots in a row and the ref had seen enough to stop it.

Trainer Mervyn Turner said: “While most people thought it was a rather premature stoppage, Grimes did not help the matter by standing and trading when he should have been nowhere near his opponent.

“Grimes will feel disappointed with his performance despite being clearly the better boxer, but his lack of discipline and natural urge to go in for the kill at every opportunity cost him dearly.

“Grimes, with his great boxing pedigree, must get rid of the gremlins that plague his professional career.

“He must now reflect on this lost, learn to stick to his boxing and remain disciplined if he is get his career back on track.”

The result leaves Grimes with four defeats and one win from his five pro fights, while Ockuku, 31, from Bermondsey has four wins and three defeats.

Amateur Shamrock fighter Joe Lydon easily retained his Home Counties Championship title in an all-Luton final when he outclassed his opponent Liam Conroy from Farley Boxing Club.

Lydon dominated all the rounds and was far too much for his opponent in every department as he ran out a massive points winner.

He now moves into this weekend’s National quarter-finals against Lawrence Cartwright from the Western Counties Division.