Commey Clinches Commonwealth Crown

Richard Commey

Richard Commey
Ghana's Richard Commey claimed the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title with a unanimous points victory over Welshman Gary Buckland at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

The judges scored the bout 117-111, 117-111 and 118-110 in favour of the Ghanaian.

But he had a tough night as 28-year-old Buckland took him through the distance for the first time in his career.

Commey, 27, had won his 17 previous fights inside eight rounds.

It was Buckland's second successive defeat after his split-decision loss to fellow Welshman Gavin Rees in May.

And his rugged approach posed questions about the power of the much-touted Commey, who seemed unable to hurt the Cardiff fighter.

Epping-based Commey fought off the ropes in the early rounds and was hit with a number of overhand rights.

However, from round six onwards he switched his attacks to Buckland's body and took control of the centre of the ring as the Welshman's impressive work-rate slowed.

Commey unleashed a barrage of punches on Buckland in the 10th round, but was still unable to really hurt his opponent.

However, Buckland's fate was sealed in the 11th round when a point was deducted from him for punching his opponent on the back of the head.