Sean Dodd believes referee's decision kept him in good health

Sean Dodd has reflected on his first fight with Scotty Cardle as he prepares for his British lightweight title rematch in Liverpool on Saturday.

Dodd was leading champion Cardle on all three judges' scorecards last November when referee Terry O'Connor stepped in to halt the fight in the final round following a late onslaught from Cardle, with some observers criticising the official at the time.

However, Dodd has credited O'Connor for his decision in light of the injury suffered by Nick Blackwell at the weekend.

Dodd told Sky Sports News HQ: "It worries us all and God bless Nick. We are all praying for his recovery, but it's a serious game. It's serious sport and it's dangerous.

"With the referees, my reaction from the last time, you can see that I didn't overreact to what people could think of and that was for good reason, because the referee is in there to do his job and his job is to look after us and make sure that each day we are safe and we are healthy.

"I was a little bit tired so if I had taken more shots it could have done me some brain damage in the long term so I can only thank the referee for doing his job and keeping me in good health."

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