• Boxing

Smith claims title in controversy

ESPN staff
April 27, 2011
Stephen Smith won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games © Getty Images
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Stephen Smith won a narrow points decision over John Simpson to become the new British featherweight champion on Wednesday night.

Simpson was angry with the decision, claiming he "won that fight", just as he felt he was hard done by in the pair's Commonwealth clash in Glasgow last year.

After 12 compelling rounds in Liverpool, Smith was awarded the fight 118-112, 115-114, 114-114 after he nearly knocked Simpson out in the first round.

But Simpson recovered his composure and gained a foothold in the contest, although not enough so to convince the judges he deserved victory.

Simpson said: "I won the fight here and I won it in Scotland, there's no point in a third fight because I've won the other two. I'm gutted, how a judge can score it six rounds to Stephen I don't know."

Smith disagreed, saying: "I wanted to beat the best and he is the best. I believe I won both fights, I've beat him twice now and we move on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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