Murray overruns Rosado in Liverpool

Martin Murray edged out Gabriel Rosado over twelve grueling rounds on Saturday night at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. The biggest talking point from this fight will end up being the shocking scorecards turned in at the end, although the right man won. Many had anticipated a toe to toe war but instead Murray chose the role of counter puncher, allowing Rosado to come toward him and picking him off. Rosado was often on the front foot and trying to push the action but Murray would not engage him in a war and frustrated the Philadelphian, demonstrating superior boxing skills. The early rounds were close and Rosado showed grit and toughness but Murray picked up his own workrate from the halfway point whilst his opponent began to load up and become almost one dimensional. This was billed as a crossroads fight for both and tempers flared at the final decision, with Rosado squaring up to Murray and voicing his displeasure. The scorecards read: A baffling 114-114, a scandalous 119-109 and an on point 116-112

Rocky Fielding secured the British Super Middleweight Championship with a split decision victory over John Ryder. It was a largely dull and forgettable affair but it was Fielding, who boasted a size and reach advantage, that managed enough clean work to get the nod on the scorecards. Ryder, who has campaigned most at 160lbs, attempted to work on the inside to the body and with overhand shots but his work was scrappy and lacked enough purpose to swing the fight in his favour. Fielding failed to utilise his jab to its fullest potential and was often left overreaching with his punches, although he pressured enough and spent more time on the front foot over the duration to make him look the aggressor. Due to the closeness of the cards there will be calls for these two men to meet again although I’m not so sure fight fans will want to see it. Scorecards read: 116-113 & 115-114 to Fielding, 115-114 to Ryder.

Sean "Masher" Dodd outpointed Lee Appleyard to win the vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Championship. It was a fantastic back and forth twelve rounds between the two fighters but the popular Birkenhead man was the clear winner in the end. Appleyard, the more noted puncher, started the fight well and rocked Dodd with a straight right hand in the very first round. Dodd was hurt and staggered on a couple more occasions early doors but his awkward and unorthodox allowed him to regain a foothold in the bout and he took control from halfway. Appleyard became guilty of loading up and relying upon his power which gave Dodd the chance to work the body well and frustrate Appleyard by moving in and out of range time and again, not allowing the Yorkshireman to get his shots off. A re-match could be a possibility but Dodd will have eyes on a British title shot against Robbie Barrett.

Debutant, Joe Cordina recorded a fourth round stoppage over Jose Aguilar at super featherweight. Cordina is yet another former Elite Team GB member with high hopes of success in the professional ranks and he looked impressive, displaying fast hands and tidy combinations. The Welsh fighter will see action again next Saturday night on the huge Joshua-Klitschko bill.

Tom Farrell won a bloody Liverpool derby over Tommy Carus, taking it on the referee’s scorecard over ten rounds at super lightweight. The fight was back and forth in the early stages, both men’s noses busted from the action but Farrell found the extra gear to pull away in the later stages and keep his unbeaten record (now 12-0). Farrell could perhaps refrain from switching stances so often during a fight as it did seem to hinder him but it was a very watchable fight. The score read: 97-95