Watch Brit Marcus Morrison swing hook of the year in brutal KO of Blandamura as dazed Italian has to be held up by ref
A DEVASTATING right hook reignited Marcus Morrison’s career last night and left Emanuele Blandamura requiring help from the ref to stand.
The Manchester middleweight was trailing the former world title challenger on points at the Stadio Nicola Pietrangeli in Rome until he struck devastating blow in the ninth round.
And despite climbing to his feet, the dazed Italian struggled into the corner before the ref called for the bell and helped the stumbling 39-year-old regain his composure.
Morrison’s victory earned him the vacant WBC international silver middleweight title and took his record to 21-3.
The Brit, 26, started strongly and even had Blandamura wobbling in the opening round.
But it was in the third that the action really got underway with a number of wild exchanges as Morrison connected well with a counter hook to rock his opponent.
Blandamura then took control and took the lead on the judges’ score cards heading into the final rounds.
However, just as he was working over Morrison he was caught with a powerful right hand.
That dropped the veteran hard, and despite bravely climbing off the canvas, he was out on his feet and the contest was waved off.
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This triumph caps a fine year of rebuilding for the “Sweet MNM” after his disappointing defeat to Alistair Warren in June 2018.
He had secured four successive wins before adding to that tally last night since that setback.
But the fight could very well be the final chapter of Blandamura’s career.
The former European middleweight champion has now suffered four straight defeats and seems likely to hang up his gloves.
