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Skelton retains title against Sprott

15/07/2007

Matt Skelton has defeated Michael Sprott to retain his commonwealth heavyweight title thanks to a majority points decision.

The bout was far from inspirational as both fighters held on to each other for long periods of the contest, looking to out-muscle each other up close.

Skelton used his superior weight and strength to good effect while Sprott's occasional combinations did not score heavily with the judges.

The London crowd booed and jeered the final few rounds before Skelton was awarded the fight, 114-114, 117-113 and 115-114.

Promoter Frank Warren had promised the winner a world title shot but neither man looked worthy of one judging by last night's performance.

Elsewhere Nicky Cook was left disappointed in his bid for the vacant WBO featherweight title as American Steve Luevano proved too strong for the Englishman.

Luevano felled Cook five times during the fight, landing with some brutal body shots. Cook refused to give up but was eventually counted out in the 11th round.

However, there was success for Kevin Mitchell who beat Russian Alexander Hrluev for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super featherweight title.

Hrluev had weighed-in over the limit but that did not stop Mitchell dismantling him inside two rounds, a straight left hand was enough to knockout the Russian.

Welshman Bradley Pryce retained his Commonwealth light middleweight title after beating Anthony Small.

Pryce seized the upper-hand in the sixth round and continued to connect with a barrage of blows before the fight was stopped midway through the seventh round.

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