Martin Lindsay beats Jamie Arthur to regain title

Martin Lindsay boasts an unbeaten record of 17 professional fights

Martin Lindsay retained his British featherweight crown as the Ulsterman beat brave Welshman Jamie Arthur convincingly on points at Leigh.

Arthur had to pick himself up from a double second round knockdown to take impressive Lindsay the full distance.

But the 27-year-old outclassed the 2002 Commonwealth champ to extend Lindsay's unbeaten record and win unanimously 118-108, 117-110, 119-108 on points.

Arthur vowed to quit if the 30-year-old failed to win the Lonsdale belt.

Lindsay's demolition of Arthur was the former amateur star's first defeat since his comeback in 2008 and third loss of his 19-fight career.

But the Cwmbran hopeful fought bravely to take the champion to 12 rounds for the first time as Lindsay battered Arthur, landing 171 punches of his 623 thrown.

And the Belfast boxer paid tribute to his valiant opponent, admitting: "He showed tremendous character and spirit but I could do with a full 12 rounds so I'm pleased."

Arthur went crashing to the canvas in the second round after Lindsay connected with a right hook before he went to ground again seconds later with another Lindsay big shot.

Arthur, who suffered a nasty cut in the 11th round, showed great desire but Lindsay was a class apart, landing almost at will with some huge uppercuts, as he successfully defended his title in his first defence.

On the undercard, Beijing Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medallist David Price produced a powerful first-round stoppage of Martyn Grainger, flooring his outclassed opponent before forcing the technical knockout.