By Tim Rickson

There was disappointment for Snodland’s George Hennon after he was dropped and stopped by Birmingham’s Ben Fields at York Hall in the opening round of their English super-lightweight title eliminator.

The 28-year-old Kent combatant (8-2, 2KO) came with an army of fans decked in yellow T-shirts having made the iconic East End venue his fortress after four fights in a row there, which included two points victories followed by two stoppage wins.

The likeable Hennon came into this step-up in class with five straight victories behind him, whereas Fields had a more chequered record with just one win in his previous eight outings.

However 33-year-old Fields (12-13, 4KO) is a former Midlands Area super-lightweight champion who has a reputation for upsetting up-and-coming prospects.

Fighting out of the home corner, roared on by his faithful followers, Hennon was surprisingly dropped twice in the first round.

Fields may possess a losing record, but he was the bigger man and the more destructive puncher, it quickly became clear.

Trained by George O'Mahoney in Aylesford, Hennon should not have been allowed to fight on from the second knockdown; he just about got up but his legs were gone, as he wobbled worringly across the apron.

Referee Reece Carter, for some unknown reason, allowed Hennon to stagger back in and on to Field’s fists and, moments later, Hennon was out cold on his back, motionless for a few seconds.

It was an excellent win for Fields, who will now go on to face the winner of the Lucas Ballingall versus Billy Pickles fight on August 7 in Portsmouth. But it was heartbreak for Hennon, who will have to head back to the drawing board to reassess his path back to championship opportunities.