Jason Easton says he just loves going to war in the ring. His previous fight against a highly-rated Belgian was gruelling.
His Cyclone management team sourced Czech title holder Josef Zahradnik for his first defence of the IBO super lightweight inter-continental belt.
And you guessed it, Jason went to war in an entertaining chief support bout to Josh Taylor in Risk v Reward at The Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.
Easton took a risk and was rewarded. Both men were defending unbeaten records although Easton had won his previous ten and Zahradnik his first nine since turning professional.
They both weighed in at 9stone 13lbs 2oz and nobody was willing to give an inch.
Easton, who is in the same weight division as his stablemate, Josh Taylor, caught his opponent with some quick-fire combinations early on. When Easton did break through, the Czech fighter showed his durability, wobbling but staying on his feet.
The Scot’s task was made more difficult when he was badly cut near his left eye in the fifth round by a clash of heads. Easton’s face was a mask of blood as the 12-round contest wore on and the man from Niddrie rocked his rival with a right hook.
Easton upped the pace in the later rounds and looked the most likely but Zahradnik hung in despite looking tired. Body shots from the Scot hurt but Easton could not stop his opponent.
Nevertheless, he was jubilant after hearing the judges scorecards and said: “I want to get back in the ring as soon as I can.
“I want a title shot, any title, and I’ll be talking to my management team about that. The guy was durable and the cut came from a clash of heads.”
Easton deals with challenges and he’s in a challenging division but this is a game fighter who desperately wants to make the most of the talent he has.
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