Joe 'Odd Job' Kimber vs Graham MacLaren

British Heavyweight Championship
October 17, 1992. Manchester, England
In the blue corner, the reigning British Heavyweight Champion, Joe 'Odd Job' Kimber. Shaven-skulled and built like a tank, Kimber had a left hook to match his looks. His boxing skills had been called into question but 25 of his 26 wins had been inside the distance. Kimber had though already lost 6 fights in his career, including two on disqualifications. This was one mean fighter.

Graham MacLaren, from Glasgow, had only three years as a pro. He was still unbeaten in his 9 fights, although some pointed to careful management as the reason he was already able to take a shot at the title without having been really tested.

A handsome £28,000 purse available with almost £20,000 going to the Champion.

Round 1. Lively opening from both fighters until Kimber caught MacLaren with a left swing into the ribs. MacLaren wobbled but stayed up, even after Kimber then delivered a left hook right to his jaw. Kimber ahead after one, and looking worthy of his title.

Round 2. Neither of these two seemed to want to slow things down any. Kimber slowly got on top once again in this round and in the final minute was all over MacLaren. Another round to Kimber.

Round 3. A lot of spoiling from MacLaren and when he couldn't Kimber's punches generally missed the target. MacLaren did manage some counter attacks and a great right hook in the latter stages had Kimber grappling him in. MacLaren's round and the Scot was looking much better.

Round 4. More spoiling and clinching from both as they seemed to be taking a breather. Nothing between them this round.

Round 5. MacLaren showed he does have a punch when he put Kimber on his back. A right hook to the head put Kimber on the back foot and then a left hook put him on his back. He was up after 8 and the ref seemed satisfied to let him carry on. Could there be an upset on the cards? Clear round for MacLaren, and most observers would agree they were neck and neck at this point.

Round 6. A good round for Kimber, showing he'd recovered from the knockdown. MacLaren boxed well but it was the champion who made his openings count. Round to Kimber.

Round 7. MacLaren landed a left uppercut early on and it looked as though Kimber might be in trouble again but it was he who controlled the rest of the round. Most of his punches missed but they kept MacLaren at a distance. A fairly even round.

Round 8. Five to go. Kimber decided to really go after his opponent but MacLaren kept dodging everything. Then a left hook from Kimber put the Scotsman down against the ropes and he failed to beat the count. Kimber had defended his British title with his famed left hook.