Sam Sexton recorded a win over Larry Olubamiwo at the York Hall, though victory came at a cost for the Norwich heavyweight.
Accidental clash of heads in fourth round causes nasty gash
Sam Sexton recorded a win over Larry Olubamiwo at the York Hall on Friday night, though victory came at a cost for the Norwich heavyweight.
The all-British bout was evenly poised when it was stopped in the fifth round due to a nasty cut on the left side of Sexton's head.
The 27-year-old was declared the winner 49-48 by the solitary judge at ringside, meaning he improves his professional record to 15-2.
However the former Commonwealth champion had found it tough going against Olubamiwo, who had not fought since suffering a disastrous first-round loss to John McDermott last February.
The key moment of the contest came in the fourth when the two big men clashed heads, leaving Sexton with blood pouring down his face.
On three occasions the referee called a time out to let the doctor inspect the damage before eventually deciding that Sexton could not continue.
Meanwhile, British cruiserweight champion Leon Williams suffered a shock defeat against Midlands Area champ Shane McPhilbin.
The Nottingham fighter weathered an early storm after suffering a first round knockdown to storm back in the 12th with two of his own.
Williams was well ahead on the cards in a fight lacking much action, but when the title holder became frustrated by McPhilbin's persistent holding, he threw him into the ropes with the referee docking a point.
The incident seemed to fire up the challenger, who dropped the tiring Williams with a left counter before putting him down again with a right - Williams just making the count on both occasions.
But McPhilbin could taste victory and rushed in to finish the job, the referee stepping in to spare Williams any further punishment with 90 seconds of the fight left.
