Barnes claims points win

David Barnes successfully defended his British light-welterweight title with a unanimous points decision over Barry Morrison.

Manchester fighter comfortably sees off Morrison in first defence of British title

David Barnes made a successful first defence of his British light-welterweight title with a points success over Barry Morrison in Liverpool on Friday evening. The Manchester fighter, who had required two attempts to make the weight, used his superior handspeed to box at range for most of the fight and was a deserving winner on all three scorecards. There was little to choose between the two fighters during the opening six rounds. Morrison came forward relentlessly but landed little as the quick reflexes of Barnes provided an elusive target. Barnes was content to use his fast hands to throw the occasional combination, although he did not trouble the challenger's chin at any stage. But as the middle rounds progressed Barnes began to take control, his opponent paying the price for the energy he expended in the first half of the fight. Morrison continued to plod forward gamely but he was visibly tiring and soaking up plenty of punishment, although he perked up briefly in the ninth to land three solid shots and also enjoyed slightly the better of the 10th. But normal service was resumed in the final two rounds as Barnes ran out a comfortable winner.