Fry finally makes his mark

Sydney 2000 - the Great Britain Olympic team consists of two boxers, both of whom won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games two years previously. Audley Harrison wins gold, Courtney Fry goes out early. Harrison turns professional with a huge contract, Fry turned pro on a Harrison undercard. And if you thought Harrison's pro career was a non-event, Fry's was non-existent.

That was until last night at the York Hall, when Fry showed the composure and resolution to secure his biggest win, knocking out unbeaten prospect and former ABA champion Tony Salam with a big right hand in the sixth round.
The win could have secured him a shot at Tony Oakey, who retained his British light-heavyweight title by knocking out Peter Haymer in the ninth round. It proved to be an eye-opening experience for Fry whose complete indifference to the sport has held him back.
"I'm just glad it's over," he said. "To be honest I hate boxing, I'm just stuck in it. I love the sport, but I hate it."
Indeed Fry could barely raise a smile afterwards and Chris Firth, his trainer, plus Chris Sanigar and Harry Holland, in his corner, seemed to spend their time lecturing him as to why the had had faith in him all these years.
"I'm 32, probably boxed ten years in a five year professional career, so hopefully I can move it along a bit," Fry said. "I hope I can get a shot at the title, that's what I was promised, that's I'm was here tonight."
Oakey is another boxer who it is difficult to see where he goes from here. Having spent his early career as a WBU champion, a belt that can often lead to a dead end, he would probably like to win the Lonsdale belt outright, which would probably involve having to go through Dean Francis, the Commonwealth champion. A European title shot against Thomas Ulrich, the German champion, seems more unlikely. 

"I'm starting to mature, I'm coming to my peak," Oakey, 32, said. "I'd love a shot at the European title, it's the only belt I haven't fought for."