Norwich heavyweight Sam Sexton faces delay following victory over Larry Olubamiwo at York Hall
Sam Sexton's return to the training ring will be delayed after what trainer Graham Everett described as 'an horrendous' cut during his comeback fight on Friday.
The 27-year-old Norwich heavyweight suffered a cut above the left eye after an accidental clash of heads with Larry 'The War Machine' Olubamiwo. The incident happened during the fourth round, forcing Sexton to retire midway through the fifth of the scheduled eight rounds.
But new rules state that, as Sexton's cut was caused following an accidental clash of heads and four rounds had been completed, the outcome rested on referee Ken Curtis' scorecard – which gave it 49-48 in Sexton's favour.
Olubamiwo is, understandably, anxious for a rematch, but Sexton's trainer Graham Everett, was happy enough to see his charge make a winning return, whatever the circumstances.
'I think what was pleasing was the way Sam performed,' said Everett.
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'He was quick, his hands and his movement were good. He was winning the fight well when it was stopped, but the cut was horrendous – it needed 14 stitches so that's show you how bad it was. Of course it's unsatisfactory, and he will be out for a while, but he hasn't really fought much in more than a year anyway. It's not the end of the world for Sam.
'Larry boxed well – better than many people might have expected, although I would never make the mistake of under-estimating him or anyone else.'
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Sexton is now in line for a domestic title fight, and that could rule out a rematch.
'To be honest, we just want to move forward,' said Everett. 'Sam was just getting into the groove when the fight was stopped.'
'I definitely could have gone on,' said Sexton.
'I was getting warmed up and starting to get my shots going.
'The blood was trickling in my eye a little, but I felt good, I was just getting my groove on.'
Olubamiwo was visibly disappointed and immediately called for a rematch.
'We've got unfinished business,' he said. 'You can't conclude a fight like that.'
