You are in > manchester.com  > News > Williams retains title

Boxing

Williams retains title

26/02/2006

Danny Williams has retained his Commonwealth heavyweight title after a split points decision over Matt Skelton at the ExCel Arena in London.

Both fighters had given good accounts of themselves on the night and the bout could have gone either way at the end of the 11th round.

However, two big punches from Williams in the final round left Skelton holding on and tipped the fight in favour of the Brixton-based fighter.

"Fair play to Matt, he was very strong and he shouldn't give up because he is a very good fighter," Williams said.

"But I am certainly convinced I did enough to win the fight and landed some good punches."

Both fighters had promised an entertaining night in the build-up and they delivered a bruising encounter.

Skelton came out looking to dominate Williams and had to be warned in the first round about using his head.

The 39-year-old British champion landed the first big hit as a good left uppercut dazed Williams.

However, Williams recovered and started to exhort some influence on the fight as he had the better of rounds three through five.

Skelton did his best to get back into the fight and was warned in round seven for barging but after Williams had the better of the next two rounds, Skelton had a great round ten to bring him back into contention.

However, it was the final round which decided the contest as first a Williams left opened Skelton up before a big right uppercut had Skelton reeling.

This swung it in Williams favour and he took the fight 115-114, 114-115 and 116-113.

© Adfero Ltd