Montana was a more than worthy replacement for Filippo Gubbini, who had to pull out of the fight on short notice due to a cracked rib. Montana learned to play chess with his brother and continued to enjoy the game when he turned to boxing.
His opponent was the wily former IBF Light-Welterweight Champion Terry Marsh – making his second appearance for London Chessboxing following victory over Chris Powell in 2014. Marsh stormed into and early lead on chessboard as the debutante Montana took time to find his feet. Sensing opportunity, Marsh decided to move out his Queen very early and by winning a Rook establishing a powerful position.
But once Montana took the speed out of the chess, he began to close the gap on his veteran opponent. The technical brilliance displayed by both fighters was clear to see, although both fighters appeared to have a plenty in reserve as the fight progressed. Perhaps taking the fight at short notice meant Montana felt apprehensive about going all out for victory, or perhaps the presence of the great champion Marsh in the ring instilled too great a sense of respect. Although the bout did not have the blood and thunder of previous fights, it more than compensated with sheer entertainment and artistry. In the end Marsh ran out the winner by time penalty while holding a commanding position on the chessboard. |
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L | W |
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Marsh wins via chess - timeout |
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