Willie Limond became the new WBU lightweight champion after a points win over Ryan Barrett.
Glaswegian outpoints Barrett in front of home crowd
Willie Limond claimed the WBU lightweight title with a convincing points win over Ryan Barrett on Friday evening.
The 30-year-old Scot dominated from the opening bell, carrying the fight to Barrett throughout the 12-round contest.
Londoner Barrett failed to impress the judges or the wine-and-dine audience at Glasgow's Thistle Hotel and there was no surprise when the scorecards from the three judges showed 117-113, 117-111 and 118-113 in favour of the home-town fighter.
Despite a clear height and reach advantage, Barrett was dominated from the first bell as Limond stalked his prey from the centre of the ring and looked to land combinations.
Flummoxed
By the fourth round, Limond was firmly in command and Barrett appeared flummoxed at times, frustrated at others, by his smaller opponent, who continued to come forward, tying him up on the ropes with some powerful body shots.
The home crowd urged Limond to land one big, decisive punch that would end proceedings early but their man, always busy following in his jab, was all about technique and point scoring.
Barrett looked well behind at the half-way stage of the bout and there appeared to be no real desire from the Englishman to step up the pace.
Indeed, Barrett looked to be wilting as the fight entered the latter stages with his swinging lefts becoming more infrequent.
A standing ovation followed the final bell and Limond looked delighted with his evening's work as he took the acclaim.
Brilliant
"It feels brilliant," he said. "It's been long overdue.
"I've had a few chances but I'm glad that I've taken this one with both hands.
"We were evenly-matched going in to the fight so it was a brilliant win for me.
"He was awkward, tall and a southpaw. I expected him to come forward more but he boxed clever and made it hard for me.
"But he is a good fighter so I am delighted with the win."
