A BRUTAL left hook knockout saw Tony Hill pick up a spectacular victory in his second fight at light heavyweight.
The Southampton boxer was another victim to an opponent change at a big night of boxing at the Guildhall, and the fight was nearly in doubt just weeks before as Hill recovered from a back problem.
Hill was meant to face Jody Meikle, who pulled out with not much time to spare, but promoter Wayne Batten managed to call-in Czech journeyman Tomas Kugler to save the day.
Immediately, it was easy to see why Hill chose to move up to light-heavyweight, as he towered over his smaller foe and looked in the shape of his career.
Straight away Hill came in and stalked Kugler, who tasted the powerful right hand and wisely decided to get on his bike and stay away.
Hill continued to press the action and backed Kugler up with snapping quick jabs and then hurt him with a thudding right hook that had Kugler stumbling around the ring.
It was not a matter of if the fight would finish inside the distance, but how, and by the middle of round two Hill finished matters with a short left hook to the chin that put Kugler down and out.
Speaking after the fight, Hill said: “I had a bad back injury and the fight was in doubt three weeks ago, but thanks to my physio Audley Frazer who worked miracles on it, it took me three sessions with him and it was fixed.
“I felt good at the weight. I feel powerful and strong. I have always been powerful but being at light heavyweight makes me feel like I have more energy now.”
Now Hill has wants to fight for a British title and he is looking at the winner of Dean Francis and Bob Ajisafe who are set to fight next sometime next year.
He added: “I just want to see how far I can take my potential. At this stage in my career I just want big fights.
“Whatever comes, I am ready for it. If it is a proper fight and it is at Southampton Guildhall, that would be my dream.
Hill’s promoter, Wayne Batten, is aiming to get Hill some bigger fights as his charge moved up to 12-3, with six knockouts.
He said: “Tony looks very impressive in his new weight and we are looking to make an assault on a title soon.”
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