Alexander Povetkin unanimously outpointed Hughie Fury in a scrappy and messy contest.
Fury made an intelligent start with perpetual movement, flicking out a lively lead hand and occasionally landing as his Russian counterpart ducked and dipped menancingly, attempting to line up one of his potentially fight-ending trademark hooks.
Fury was slippery, however, and continually spoiled whenever Povetkin attempted to pummel the Mancunian to the body.
Nevertheless, Fury struggled to sustain his frenetic approach, becoming increasingly sloppy as the fight progressed. Although it was evident that both men were tiring as the fight approached the midway point, the slower pace clearly suited Povetkin; who was enjoying increased success with single shots and counter left hands.
Fury was unable to capitalise on his youth to pull away as his accuracy with the counter right left something to be desired. An increasingly confident Povetkin, meanwhile, was able to rack up the rounds and maintain a steady output, winning by comfortable margins on all three cards.
Charlie Edwards has successfully retained his WBC super-flyweight title after his defence against Julio Cesar Martinez was dramatically changed to a no-decision after the British Boxing Board of Control’s verdict was overruled immediately by the WBC.
Prior to the fight, many were speculating that Martinez would represent a dangerous proposition for the British champion, and these fears were realised as he routinely and visibly hurt Edwards with powerful punching throughout the first two rounds.
The bout ended in thoroughly controversial circumstances as the Mexican hurt Edwards in round three and ruthlessly capitalised with a spiteful shot to the midsection, but let his enthusiasm get the better of him by seemingly delivering a devastating shot to the liver whilst Edwards had already taken a knee.
Although Martinez was declared the winner to a chorus of boos from the thousands of fans in attendance, his joy was ultimately short-lived, courtesy of Mauricio Sulaiman’s timely intervention.
Joshua Buatsi also delivered a characteristically composed display in dispatching of Ryan Ford inside seven rounds.
The Londoner started the bout conservatively as his counterpart attempted to plough forward and make things messy at close range.
However, Buatsi maintained a cool head under pressure and began to showcase his superior skillset and shot selection as he consistently found the mark with corkscrew uppercuts in addition to spearing straight rights.
A powerful combination consummated by crunching body shot sealed the deal in the seventh and sent Ford to the canvas, writhing in agony, as the light-heavyweight hopeful from Croydon extended his record to 12-0 with 10 knockouts.
Report by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________