Charlie Hickford rose to the occasion on Friday night to see off the challenge from a tough late replacement. ‘Classy’ Hickford beat highly competitive South American boxer Darwing Martinez 39-37 at York Hall, the featherweight contest taking place prior to Sam Noakes’ EBU European lightweight title defence. Hickford’s in the early stages of his pro career and didn’t have it easy in his third pro fight, with Martinez proving a tricky opponent after replacing Frenchman Frenchman Kaddour Hmiani, who had to pull out with an injury. The Cliffe fighter impressed again, however, delivering a thrilli…
