Shakan Piiters has claimed his first major title beating Dec Spellman for his light heavyweight English belt. Pitters was on the undercard of the Sunny Edwards vs Hugo Rosendo Guarneros fight (14.9.19) at the York Hall Bethnal Green London, the fight was contested over 10 three minute rounds.
The first round was a very close one with Pitters using his jab well with Spellman looking to pressure and get on the inside, this would set the mould for the rest of the fight with Pitters just edging the first. In the second Spellman came out fast and with loads of pressure and he really made Pitters work. Pitters got some nice combinations off and looked in control but Spellman continued to press getting some eye catching left hooks in with combinations to the body to win the round. Pitters started the third well with his jab dictating the fight, Spellman continued to come forward and caught Pitters with big left hooks. Pitters took them well and returned fire with nice combinations of his own, even round.
Shakan went back to doing what he does best using his jab well and moving well in the forth. Spellman continued to press but Pitters picked him off well with great shot selection. By the fifth Spellman was starting to mark up around his eyes with Pitters controlling the round with his jab. Great movement again by Pitters who was starting to enjoy himself. Everything came off the Pitters jab in round six as he dominated the round. Spellman kept pressing but was getting caught by some heavy shots.
Spellman was showing he had the heart of a champion as he kept pushing forward to get inside. Pitters was now in total control picking him off with the jab and banging in some sweat combinations. Round eight saw Spellman put his all into it and really put it on Pitters, Pitters moved well and returned fire but Spellman got this round. As the ninth round started Spellman looked tired and seemed to have put everything into the last round, Pitters picked him off with great movement and jabbing. In the tenth and final round Spellman, left it all in the ring as Pitters continued to move and pick Spellman off winning the round and the fight convincingly.
At the end of the fight all 3 judges scored it the same way 97-93 to the new champ Shakan Pitters, myself I had it 98-93 to Pitters who is now ranked 6th in the British rankings.
Shakan’s team took to social media to celebrate his win, his coach Paul “Soggy" Counihan wrote this ‘Well what can I say about last night, What a fight!!! I couldn't be more prouder of Shakan with his performance in his first 10 rounder against a very tough opponent. Just to think Shak couldn't win the novice ABAS as a Amateur and now he is professional Champ of England, I want thank all of the team Louie Counihan Jon Pegg Dean Whyte and all his sparring partners and all his loyal fans!!! Now 6th in the ranking!’ His manager had this to say he wrote ‘Shakan Pitters last night answered a lot of questions.Chin checked yes, Recover when hurt Yes, Ten rounds yes, hard pace in hot environment yes, Finish strong yes and make weigh yes. What a fight and what an opponent in Dec Spelman. I believe Dec last night has helped Shak become the kind of fighter we know he can. Lots of offers and lots of interest we are going to sit back enjoy the performance and enjoy potentially being involved in fight of the year and hopefully Shaks next step will be known soon. Eastside do it again away corner challenging for titles and pull it off, Its becoming our speciality Paul Soggy Counihan Louie Counihan’ Shakan put this status up, he wrote ‘Massive respect to Dec Spelman for a great fight! Never stopped coming from the first bell, true fighting man who I respect! Special thanks to my fans that travelled, and my amazing team Eastside boxing gym Paul Soggy Louie Counihan Jon Pegg and Dean Whyte for all the work they put in and making things happen!.... Onwards and upwards! #teampitters.
Dexter’s Thoughts
I have followed Shakan's career from the first time he entered a professional ring two and a half years ago and I said then he was destined for big things. He showed tonight that he can mix’s it with the big boys and is not phased by how many rounds or where the fight is held. His movement, shot selection, defence and the way he paced himself were all on point in this fight. He did get caught with a few good lead left hooks but I think that was credit to Spellman’s ability to mask a shot but I’m sure his team will work on him defending that better. He has ticked a few boxes with this victory claiming his first professional title and fighting at York Hall for the first time. This will also be a massive learning lesson for Shakan as Spellman made him work for the whole fight and never stopped coming forward. He is now ranked sixth in Britain and himself and his team have got to have their eyes on bigger titles. What do I see for Shakan Pitters well defently more titles, I will be looking to report on Shaken contesting for the British, Commonwealth, European or all three next year. He is one of the hottest prospects around, not just in Birmingham and the Midlands but in the UK and in my opinion is destined to win more titles.
The Birmingham boxing Column would like to Congratulate Shakan Pitters on becoming the new English light heavyweight champion.