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Chaos reigns but Arthur retains title

30/04/2006

Alex Arthur has retained his European super featherweight title on points in a frenetic bout with Sergey Gulyakevich which the referee was forced to stop in the seventh round.

After an even first five rounds, the fight descended into chaos in the sixth as Gulyakevich was docked two points after a deliberate headbutt before another clash of heads, with Arthur this time the offender, opened up a big cut above the Belarussian's left eye.

The doctor was called during the seventh as the referee ruled the fight could no longer continue and Arthur was awarded the fight 69-63 68-63 69-64 for his second successful defence.

"I'm obviously happy with the victory as he butted me quite intentionally and from thereon in I was actually seeing stars a bit," Arthur said.

"My equilibrium went afterwards but fortunately I got myself together and came back from it as I knew it was going to be tough but I've proved I've got a fantastic chin."

Despite claiming the victory, Arthur began the fight on the back foot as Gulyakevich was the more dominant fighter in the opening rounds.

The Belarussian was landing good body shots, particular with his left, and another clash of heads brought a cut above Arthur's right eye.

However, Arthur found his range in the fourth and began to pick off his opponent before the fight turned ugly in the sixth.

Gulyakevich threw his head into the chin of the champion and by the end of the sixth, blood was pouring down the challenger's face from the cut above his eye.

The doctor allowed the fight to continue into the seventh but it was stopped before the end of the round and Arthur was given the bout.

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