Bell claims British title

Edwards loses title after war of attrition

Last updated: 29th March 2008

Bell claims British title

Bell: new British super-flyweight champion

It was a close fight all the way, I thought nicked it by a round or two.

Andy Bell
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Andy Bell won the British super-flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Chris Edwards on Friday evening in Barnsley.

Bell, nicknamed the 'Ice Man', got his title quest off to a superb start, dominating the opening four rounds, including a knockdown in the third.

Edwards was caught square-footed as he walked in and was briefly sent to the canvas before quickly regaining his feet.

The pace of the early rounds began to take their toll, particularly on Bell, as the fight descended into a gruelling battle.

Neither man possessed knockout power and, as tiredness set in, it became clear that the judges would be required to determine a winner.

Champion Edwards, aware that his title was slipping away, gave it everything in the closing stages but could not find a way through.

The judges gave Bell took the verdict by margins of 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113.

"His work rate was amazing, it's hard to keep up with someone like him," said Bell afterwards.

"It was a close fight all the way, I thought nicked it by a round or two."