Higgins: The promoted lad will always get it if it's close

Craig Richards and Alan Higgins served up a proper small hall scrap last Friday as chief support on Matchroom's debut #NXTGen show.

The new series of shows have been designed to act as a showcase for up and coming talent and both Richards and Higgins took full advantage of that.

North Londoner Higgins came into the fight 12-0 and defending his Southern Area title against South London's Richards who was also undefeated (7-0).

During the fight Twitter was abuzz with talk of the fight and the perfect blend of styles. Richards working behind the jab to combat Higgins' 'up and at'em' approach.

But it was the result of the fight that really got people talking. Referee Jeffrey Hinds scored the fight 97-95 to Richards, with many on social media and Higgins himself feeling the fight should've gone the other way.

'Yeah I definitely thought I'd won, I could see everyone ringside giving me the thumbs up and all my corner were very confident that I'd won.' Higgins told The Boxing Banter in an exclusive chat.

Now that the dust has settled Higgins is yet to get a chance to watch the fight back, but the correspondence he has received leaves him convinced he should've got the decision.

'I've not watched it back yet, but I will, so many random people on Twitter and Facebook have contacted me and told me they thought I won. It's nice of them and I appreciate their support.'

Immediately after the fight Richards told IFL TV that he would be vacating the Southern Area title, which appeared to squash any chance of a rematch,one which the consensus on Twitter would've loved to have seen.

Higgins on the other hand is slightly more relaxed about the issue.

'I'm not going to try and force anything or start tweeting him saying 'I got robbed, I deserve a rematch' it's not my style.

If he is happy to move on after getting a decision like that then what can I do? I'll fight whatever comes, whether it's him or not. But I'm not stepping back now!'

The irony of the situation is that a fight made to boost a fighters profile resulted in a contentious decision on the same night one of the most celebrated boxers of a generation also got a much debated decision. Gennady Golovkin was awarded a win against Daniel Jacobs, which sparked a huge online debate. A poll carried out by The Boxing Banter as to who readers thought had won closed at a 50/50 split.

Higgins is understanding, albeit reluctantly of the circumstances.

'You'll always see dodgy decisions when you aren't with the promoter, if it's a tiny bit close the promoted lad will get it. It is what it is.'

Likewise with the commentary on the night, Skysports Johnny Nelson compared Higgins' style to Rocky Marciano whilst him and fellow commentator Adam Smith's views on the outcome of the fight seemed to swing back and forth. Higgins is bullish with his views on the coverage of the fight but at the same time grateful for the exposure.

'I don't care what Johnny Nelson says, unless you're a Matchroom fighter the Sky pundits don't care about what you do.

But the reaction I've received has been amazing, my first televised fight and it was a good one to watch for the neutral. Regardless of the decision I know it was a good fight and York Hall was absolutely buzzing.'

The #NXTGen series is scheduled to return at a different location, believed to be in Cardiff, and the response from fight fans has been positive. How did the fighters on the night view it?

'It was actually really good, the atmosphere was great which you'll always get at York Hall so to be fair this is a really good idea from Matchroom.'

You can follow Alan Higgins @AvalancheAl