Salem earns classy win

Tony Salem sent his light heavyweight opponent crashing to the canvas at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham on Friday and then declared: ""There's no stopping me – I'm going to be the guy"", writes Jonny Weeks. Salem floored Paul David in the second

Tony Salem sent his light heavyweight opponent crashing to the canvas at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham on Friday and then declared: "There's no stopping me - I'm going to be the guy," writes Jonny Weeks,

Salem floored Paul David in the second of four rounds with a raking right and went on to claim a points decision from the judges 40-35.

"Everything about it was perfect," he said of the pivotal punch. "I saw him and I thought that's my opportunity.

"I always knew I was going to beat him, but I had to take my time because he is a dangerous fighter.

"I got a left hook from him in the last round and it blinded me for a second. But that was the only time."

Salem bossed the entire contest and following a left-right combination in the third and solid counter-punching in the fourth, David was spitting blood.

"If you can dance, you can dance," said the ever-charismatic Salem of his own quick feet.

Salem's victory was particularly impressive given the conditions in which it took place.

His original opponent withdrew at short notice and David only stepped in on the day of the fight. The two were then forced to wait hours for their bout due to a clogged undercard to Martin Power's ill-fated rematch with Tshifhiwa Munyai.

"I was a bit annoyed because they kept me waiting so long," said Salem. "It weighed me down. They shouldn't treat me like that. I should be top of the bill."

Salem has vowed to take on all-comers this year as part of his "learning process".