Smith vs Ryder: Anthony Fowler outpoints Harry Scarff to keep alive Scott Fitzgerald rematch hopes
Fowler claims second successive win since losing a split decision to Scott Fitzgerald in March
Saturday 23 November 2019 23:17, UK
Anthony Fowler stayed on course for a rematch with bitter rival Scott Fitzgerald after securing a unanimous decision over Harry Scarff in Liverpool.
Fowler, who defeated Brian Rose at middleweight in his last fight, dropped Scraff in the ninth round before claiming victory via scores of 98-91 three times on the judges' scorecards to win the vacant WBA international super-welterweight title.
"His nickname is 'Horrible', he didn't want to fight. That was a horrible, frustrating fight," Fowler told Sky Sports afterwards.
"As long as I win, that's my main priority."
The Liverpudlian started on the front foot behind a tight, high guard, while Scarff boxed out of a southpaw stance before switching to orthodox.
Fowler shaded the early rounds with his accurate punching, connecting to the body and head, but Scarff enjoyed success with his counters.
'The Machine' began to take control of the fight from the fifth, landing his right hand with more frequency.
Scarff belatedly attempted to let his hands go in the ninth but a short left from Fowler sent him crashing to the canvas.
Fowler spent the 10th round stalking his opponent looking for a knockout finish but the awkward Derby fighter kept out of trouble to hear the final bell.
Sean Dodds earlier claimed a technical-decision victory over Tom Farrell after a premature ending to their British super-lightweight title eliminator.
Dodds was declared the winner via scores of 39-37, 39-38, 38-38 after fellow Merseysider Farrell suffered a bad cut above his eye during an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round.
Thankfully it got stopped and I think it was the right decision. It doesn't really feel like a win when it's cut short.
'Masher' will now take on the winner of next week's clash between Philip Bowes and Akeem Ennis Brown for the vacant British title.
James Tennyson stopped Craig Evans in 11 rounds to secure himself a shot at the British lightweight title.
The Belfast boxer backed up Evans with a series of unanswered punishing hooks to force the referee's intervention and claim victory in the final eliminator with his 22nd KO.
