The walkout; as a fighter makes that walk and enters the ring, the audience’s eyes fixate on them looking for those signs of fear, bravado, confidence or anger.

22nd of January 2010 at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, an enthused crowd gathered to find out who would take home the vacant BBBofC 112lb flyweight title. And on this night the entrance would end up being as much of a talking point as the bout itself.

Entering first would be 6-2-1 Usman ‘Uzzy; Ahmed, a former title challenger in his own right but if his walkout were to suggest anything it’d seem as if he was already a defending champion.

Brandishing a massive chain bearing his name and glittering trunks with both his native flags, he makes his way to the ring to the apt Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas in a display ripped right out of the music video – copying their swagger indeed.

Following this theatrical display, the comparatively quieter, 8-0 prospect Ashley Sexton would step into the ring, immediately confronted by the brash Derby native. For those watching they would be sure this would be nothing short of fireworks.

The bell sounds and the fighters meet at the centre, Uzzy coming out the aggressor looking to land body shots as Sexton would fire back his right hand making it evident there wouldn’t be much of a feeling out process. Both fighters continue to circle the ring exchanging jabs and crosses with the odd stalemate in the clinch. With 1:05 left of the first round Uzzy throws a lead hook only to be stung by a ferocious right hand counter from Sexton.

Resulting in the Derby native falling stiff onto the bottom rope in a show of humility and his title aspirations for that night slipping away. Boom Boom Pow indeed.

-Nic Arrighi