Banbury Masters Boxing world champion ‘Mr Magic’ retains title in six-round thriller
Banbury boxing star ‘Mr Magic’ Marlon Gray-Deacon successfully defended his World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Masters Boxing world title after earning a unanimous points victory on Saturday (October 17).
Banbury’s ‘Mr Magic’ travelled to the WDF Masters Box Cup in Rietberg, Germany, to face seasoned boxer and former kickboxing champion Jameson Matusalem.
The popular Gray-Deacon was supported by scores of travelling fans and friends from Team 180 Martial Arts for the event, promoted by Kai Pieper.
Both boxers brought a wealth of experience to the ring and began the bout cautiously, with each man looking to assess his opponent.
As the contest developed, Gray-Deacon increased his work rate and used his slick boxing skills to do enough to take the opening three rounds.
The pace increased in the second half of the contest, with both fighters stepping up their attacks.
However, Gray-Deacon continued to land the more eye-catching punches, finding his target with cleaner shots both at close range and from distance.
In the final minute of the last round, Gray-Deacon landed a strong left hook to the body that hurt Matusalem.
He attempted to capitalise with a further barrage of punches, but the tough London-based Filipino remained composed and fit enough to withstand the attack until the final bell.
The contest went to the judges’ scorecards, with Gray-Deacon awarded a unanimous points decision to retain his WBF world title.
He was supported in his corner by Masters Boxing England, alongside Team 180 Martial Arts head coach Rob Allen and his wife, Charlotte Allen.
The victory takes Gray-Deacon’s impressive boxing record to 40 wins from 43 fights.