Droylsden light-heavyweight Billy Deniz extended his unbeaten pro record to 12 wins after dominating Luxembourg's Khalid Graidia.
He blasted through the six-round fight on the Zak Chelli v Callum Simpson undercard at Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium, winning by a comfortable 59-54 margin.
A natural entertainer, Deniz enthusiastic streak meant left himself open to being picked off at times, especially after being tagged with a left hook straight after downing Graidia in the early exchanges.
He perhaps should’ve added to his 5 stoppage wins, but the 23-year-old ‘Turkish Tyson’ who has sparred in Canada with the division’s undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev, didn’t look overawed on only his second fight outside Greater Manchester.
The former world champion kickboxer was happy to work on the inside, pummelling Graidia with body shots, but without finding the decisive blow.
It was a solid showing after taking the bout with just two weeks’ notice, but after picking up a six-month ban for tussling post-fight with Perry Howe in Oldham last summer, Deniz has had plenty of time in the gym to fine-tune his arsenal.
World level is still a distant dream, but he’s a growing figure on the domestic scene and it’s surely only a matter of time before he’s in the frame for a British title shot.
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