Photo: Andy Ball
Askin had his rival down in the first round of his cruiserweight contest but tore fibres in his left shoulder in the ensuing action.
So after looking smoothly impressive in a first round he dominated, Askin understandably laboured at times as the injury affected his movement.
And his durable opponent lived up to his nickname The Ox in this four-rounder.
Askin went so far as to say he was “embarrassed” by his performance but when the realisation sets in he will not be as hard on himself, while recognising that there is a long way to go.
Askin’s trainer Brian Hughes admitted there were flaws but rightly pointed out that it was all part of a pro’s learning process.
Hughes said: “Matty was sloppy at times and showed a lot of his old amateur traits, which is no good.
“We have tried to teach him to tuck up in case this kind of thing happens, and he should have kept his poise and balance.
“But he has done all right and will learn a lot from that. Matty has the potential and it just needs a lot of hard work in the gym.
“He met a fellow who got up after a knockdown and gave him a hell of a fight. There were no marks on Matty afterwards but we need to get the shoulder sorted out.”
Askin, who has now won both pro contests, said: “The first two rounds went beautifully but when he knew that my shoulder had gone he stepped up the pace. My left is my best asset.
“I probably did it when I had him in the corner and hit him with a load of combinations. I was throwing the left after that but couldn’t lift it back up.
“They were asking me in the corner if I wanted to pull out but I would have fought with no arms, if need be!
“I would like a rematch with Okoth and hopefully it will be a different story. I hope to be fit to fight again in six weeks … but I would like to fight every week!”
Source: Blackpool Gazette ,Steve Simpson
