You are in > manchester.com  > News > Arthur claims bruising points win

Boxing

Arthur claims bruising points win

19/02/2006

British, European and Commonwealth super featherweight champion Alex Arthur has retained his titles after a unanimous points decision over Ricky Burns in Edinburgh.

The champion was made to work very hard for the win as Burns put in a strong performance.

However, despite Burns taking the early advantage, it was Arthur who dominated much of the latter stages of the fight and the judges awarded the bout 117-111, 116-112, 118-110 to the champion.

"He's a brilliant boxer with a great future and he could be a world champion one day," Arthur said of his opponent.

"Although I was hurting him with some body shots he kept coming back but I thought I had him from the fifth round onwards, although he was always coming back for more and I really needed to be fit to win it."

Burns showed good hand-speed in the early rounds and landed a couple of good head-shots in round four.

However, round five proved to be the turning point as Arthur started to land a few punches of his own, including some good combinations.

Arthur took control as Burns tired and the challenger had to withstand some powerful blows from the champion, especially in the 11th round.

Despite defeat, Burns was upbeat after the fight.

"I don't count that as a loss as I'm just 22 and it was great experience for me," Burns said.

"Alex is as tough as old boots but I proved to myself I can go 12 rounds and not only can I take a punch, I can hit as well."

Arthur is now looking towards a world title fight before the end of the year.

© Adfero Ltd