Young veteran Bradley Pryce prevailed in an exciting clash with the showy Anthony Small to retain his commonwealth light-middleweight title.

It was a fight with momentum shifts as both fighters had impressive moments. Pryce was steady and consistent but Small at times looked superb as he fired off unorthadox combinations to have Pryce looking confused.



But the close and competitive fight was brought to a halt in the 7th round as Pryce landed a huge left hook to leave Small wobbly on the ropes. A follow up assault saw Pryce land several more clean punches as Small seeked desperately to survive. The referee had seen enough and intervened but Small protested bitterly at the stoppage and claimed he was fine to continue. The stoppage might have been slightly premature but Pryce was landing some heavy shots and Small was very clearly hurt.

Both men emerge with enhanced reputations and can go on from this fight.