Bath, England: Super Light: Joe Hughes (12-1) W PTS 10 Tony Hardy (7-1).
Local West Country fighter Hughes wins the vacant English title with split decision over North East rival Hardy. Hughes was the boss inside scoring with hooks and body punches with Hardy more effective at range using quick accurate southpaw jabs.
As the fight progressed Hughes was able to work inside more but did not really start to take control until the sixth round. From then it was Hughes forcing the fight with Hardy boxing on the back foot and countering when he could. Both fighters tired over the last two rounds with
Hughes looking to have done enough to win it but Hardy having done some good early work and the judges not of one accord. Scores 99-92 and 98-92 for Hughes and 97-95 for Hardy.
Now 7 wins in a row for the 24-year-old Hughes the Southern Area champion. Hardy, 23, came in as a late substitute and was in his first ten round fight and felt he had done enough to get the verdict.
