Joel Ryan outpointed in first title shot

Walsall's Joel Ryan pushed Chris Higgs all the way but ultimately lost the British Masters title to the hometown fighter at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester.

Ryan lost 98-93 on points in the main event after 10 rounds with the new champion last Saturday night, from neighbouring Lyndey, which was arguably harsh on the beaten co-challenger.

His eyes fixed on upsetting the apple cart and taking the vacant belt back to the West Midlands, Ryan let Higgs know he hadn't come to roll over.

The 22-year-old didn't wait for his opponent, getting in his face and setting a pace with a high volume of punches, all with weight behind them.

Rounds three and four really saw Ryan break through, rocking Higgs' head back with big right hooks in what looked a lead going into the second half.

Higgs relied on his amateur background to get back into the fight, tapping Ryan to the side of the head with clear but unloaded shots and using his foot-work to dodge out of trouble.

Ryan was guilty of failing to work the body by way of an answer, particularly as both fighters were spending a lot of time clenching and jostling for position in the ropes.

Going into the 10^th round, Ryan was behind on referee Bob Williams' scorecard and was forced back on the offensive to take the decision away from the man in the middle.

By the end of the session, Ryan was back on top, leaving it all on a frantic and entertaining last round where the 'away' fighter looked for the KO.

The fitness of both fighters - who had never been past eight rounds – held out as Higgs looked to get to the final bell, tucking up as Ryan punched himself out.

At the final bell, referee Williams' had Ryan down 98-93, giving him just two clear rounds to Higgs' seven, with one drawn session.