Droylsden's Deniz delivers

Droylsden boxing star Billy Deniz extended his unblemished pro record to 15 wins on Saturday night with a convincing points win over Grant Dennis at the Co-op Live arena. 

The ‘Turkish Tyson’ made it back-to-back wins at the Manchester venue, adding to November’s points victory over Ezra Arenyeka. 

After a slow start, the 25-year-old super middleweight quickly stamped his authority on the bout, dominating the latter rounds and almost forcing a late stoppage after a sixth round knockdown. 

But Dennis showed all his 42 years of experience to frustrate the fleet-footed Deniz, and ensure the fight would go the distance. 

“I’m happy with it overall,” the ‘Turkish Tyson’ told the Reporter following the victory.   

“I wasn’t happy on the night, I was a bit disappointed with myself, but I watched it back and thought, actually, I did alright. 

“The only thing that shocked me was the way my opponent approached the fight, he gave it a good go in all the others I’ve watched, but against me he was just holding on and trying to spoil my work. 

“His game plan worked for a bit, he stopped me getting into my rhythm, but as the rounds went on, I grew into the fight. 

“I’m one of those fighters that warm into fights, and you’ll start seeing the best version of me when I get into the 10 and 12 rounders.” 

The bout represented Deniz’ first in the super middleweight category, having fought at light heavyweight for most of his career, but the Droylsden bruiser made a seamless transition into the new weight class. 

“I didn’t feel any different to be fair,” revealed Deniz. 

“The weight cut went well. I felt strong, I felt fit and I felt sharp, and thankfully it showed on the night.” 

Following his 15th career win, the Tameside fighter already has his sights set on extending his superb record even further: 

“I’ve only been having one or two fights a year, I need to be having three or four, to try and build my profile and build the fanbase. 

“This is just the start, once we start getting these big fights, it’s just going to grow and grow, and I can’t wait for the journey.”