Ben Humphreys defeats Alan Blacks on points to win WUMA heavyweight title

Ben Humphreys of Porthmadog is the new WUMA heavyweight title holder after beating champion Alan Blacks of Caernarfon on a points decision in Criccieth tonight.

Humphreys, 30, won 4-1 on rounds in a hard-fought battle which featured a lot of clinches and inside-fighting.

The fight was for a kickboxing title, but both camps agreed on it being a boxing match due to a hip problem Humphreys is dealing with which prevents him from kicking effectively.

Blacks, 27, landed a few good single shots and occasional decent combinations, but his work was often smothered by Humphreys, who would then use his strength inside to target head and body.

At times the referee allowed the holding to go on too long, leading to frustration in the corners as well as the crowd who created a fantastic atmosphere inside the Memorial Hall.

Round two was one of the most eye-catching of the fight, Blacks sending Humphreys to the ropes with a sharp right hand and follow-up combo, but later in the round the Porthmadog man connected with a stunning left hook.

In the last round, Humphreys scored with some fast one-twos and a crunching left, while Blacks responded well towards the end.

Humphreys now moves to 5 and 0 with a UBA British heavyweight title fight coming up next weekend against Stephen Wilkins on the Ultimate Fight Night show in Colwyn Bay. Ben’s champion brothers Cafan and Wayne are also both undefeated.

Blacks lost for the first time in six fights and will now take a break, but plans a comeback in the not too distant future.

The sportsmanship between the pair before, during and after the fight was exemplary. Both men are a credit to their sport.

More news on Saturday’s Rise of the Welsh Warriors show to come……