McIntyre keeps delivering

McIntyre: Retains belt

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Kevin McIntyre has retained his British welterweight title after scoring a unanimous points victory over Kevin Anderson at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall.

The 24-year-old from Kircaldy was attempting to reclaim the belt he lost to his fellow Scot last November - McIntyre looking entirely convincing on that occasion in Irvine.

And the 29-year-old Paisley postman delivered a creditable title defence. Nevertheless, while usually looking composed, he rarely dictated proceedings.

In hindsight, Anderson may feel the title was his for the re-taking. But, on the night, his aggressive approach was largely revealed as raggedness.

Anderson made a much better start than that seen in their previous meeting, looking to get close to his opponent and score with body shots.

But McIntyre was responding well with counters and hit Anderson hard when the latter left himself open at the start of the third.

Even

Both men had been evenly matched, but the fourth round saw McIntyre finding his range and accuracy, with Anderson's attempts at a riposte largely missing their target.

McIntyre was reading Anderson's intentions and certainly seemed to be wearing the mantle of a champion well.

In contrast, Anderson's corner did not sound confident heading into round six - the deadline their man had given himself to re-take the belt.

Sensing the champion was edging clear on points, Anderson put on a far more aggressive display in the seventh.

The storm soon subsided for McIntyre but back came Anderson in the ninth, finding his opponent with two solid right hands.

Inroads

The challenger needed to make inroads and quick - if not to win on a knockout then to at least score vital points.

But McIntyre's approach prevailed, with the judges scoring the contest 115-114, 117-112, 117-112 in favour of the champion.

McIntyre told Sky Sports: "I felt I was quite in control through the fight (but) there were a couple (of rounds) were I got a bit silly and was getting caught - but I felt in control of the fight.

"I feel I've got the beating of him every day of the week and I'm here to stay - that's the message I'm sending out."