Blackpool’s Matty Askin improved his unbeaten start in the pro ranks to five fights with a win over the dangerous Hastings Rasani at Altrincham on Friday night.
The Brian Hughes trained fighter was not only stepping up in class, but also stepping up to compete in his first six three minute round fight against the Zimbabwean born Rasani (23-43-4, 16 early) who was on a winning streak of three fights.
In a quiet first round Askin tried to establish his jab and caught Rasani with a couple of jabs which caused the Birmingham based fighter to smile. The fight quickly turned into a messy affair causing the referee to speak to both fighters early on.
As the fight wore on Askin had some success with the jab but wasn’t landing the follow up punches that where required. Rasani, an experienced fighter, was frustrating the young 21 year old as was evident on Askins face.
The fight started to become untidy as Askin started to lunge in with his shots and Rasani managed to duck under the punches. During the clinch Rasani would try to lift Askin off his feet and was succeeding in throwing the youngster off his game plan.
Referee Phil Edwards was finding himself very busy and in the fourth during a tangle Rasani lifted Askin and threw the youngster to the floor. Askin was the busier fighter during the middle rounds and was doing enough to nick the rounds.
In the last round Askin managed to finally found some combinations with two left hand punches that sent Rasani backwards before the tough Zimbabwean fired back his own left hand.
Referee Phil Edwards raised the hand of the undefeated Askin at the final bell by a score of 59-56 in a tough contest for the young Blackpool fighter. Askin did not have his own way and found himself up against an experienced opponent who knew how to frustrate.
Speaking after the fight Askin felt he started off well before losing his way to an awkward fither.
“The first few rounds went well, I was getting my punches off and moving well,” said Askin. “In the second half of the fight my legs felt quite heavy and I wasn’t moving as I should have been. I was lunging in with big punches instead of using timing and speed.
“Rasani caught me once and it didn’t hurt, he was awkward leaning backwards and when you threw your shots he come forward with his head down making it hard to get my shots off.”
Whilst Askin was not 100% happy with the performance he feels the experience will help over the long term.
“It helped me get some much needed experience and I also got some rounds under my belt,” stated Askin. “It showed I was fit and wasn’t afraid to get the rounds in. It helps now as I will meet a few guys down the line that are awkward and will know what to expect.”
Askin is now looking forward to building his career in 2010 and hopes to be back in action soon.
“Hopefully I will get another six rounder in March or April and we just have to see what Brian has planned and go on from there.”
