**With Slideshow**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

It was a noisy atmosphere last night at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool, England, where David Barnes made his first defence of the British Light Welterweight title against former champion Barry Morrison.

In a Matchroom Sports promoted fight night, Scot Barry Morrison was looking to ʽwin back the beltʼ.

ʽBarnesyʼ, fighting out of Bob Shannonʼs Gym, had a ʽnightmareʼ weigh-in on Thursday when he failed to make the weight initially, but there were no signs of problems when he came out for the first round. Looking ʽsnappyʼ - southpaw Barnes ʽwhipped-outʼ his long-reaching right punch to the face of Morrison.

ʽThe Businessʼ Morrison has the tighter-looking defence as he holds his gloves up high to practically cover his face - but Barnes still gets through. Barnes looking the more ʽpolishedʼ boxer against Morrison.

A notable left punch finds Barnes in round two while in the third, Barnes clumsily bungles Morrison over but this was just the first of many times he does this during the fight. Barnesʼs nose is bleeding as they return to their corners at the end of the frame.

Barnes sustains a ʽnickʼ to the top of the right cheek bone in round four. Itʼs a better round for Morrison and he lands a couple of good right shots.

Round five gets a bit messy as Barnes ʽbunglesʼ Morrison over through the ropes again. Referee Mark Green tells them both to ʽkeep it cleanʼ.

Sky Sports fight stats indicate that Barnes has thrown more shots, 244 to187, but Morrison has the marginally better success rate of 19% to 18%.

Morrison must be sensing that he needs to pull out the stops as he has a better round in the ninth, throwing a combination of shots. Round ten is good for Morrison too as he lands some decent right shots.

Round twelve and as heads clash, Barnes can be heard to shout out. He looks concerned briefly that a cut may have developed - but the fight continues.

Barnes still looks sharp but takes a couple of shots from Morrison.

Barnes wins by unanimous decision 116-113, 116-113 and 116-112

Afterward, Barnes told Sky Sports Presenters that his rib had been ʽsoreʼ at times during the fight. He admitted that heʼd suffered a rib-injury when sparring with Denton Vasell two weeks ago.

Share/Save | (0) comments | Add your comments
Click to read more boxing articles by Jane Warburton

Discuss in Boxing Forum

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• British Boxing: Lightning Ready To Strike As Daws Targets Mutu

  Lenny Daws believes he will deserve another crack at the British title if he beats experienced Frenchman Mihaita Mutu at the York Hall this Friday, June 27, 2008. The Hennessy Sports >
  
  

• Boxing Weigh-In: David Barnes vs. Barry Morrison

  Yesterday at 'Touchbase' in the Premier Inn on Albert Dock in Liverpool, England, Matchroom Sports held the weigh-in for tonight's fightnight at the Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool. Headlining the >
  
  

• Hennessy Boxing: Daws Ready To Gain Revenge Over Morrison

  Lenny Daws believes he will become a two time British Light Welterweight Champion on Friday night when he meets old foe Barry Morrison for the vacant title. Motherwell man Morrison >
  
  

• Matchroom Boxing: Prizefighter Light Welterweight December 4 In London

  Prizefighter is back and returns with the first ever light welterweight event. Some of the biggest names in the division will be competing in Prizefighter Light Welterweights, including former World, >
  
  

• Matchroom Boxing: Morrison Out, Jones In For Light Welter Prizefighter Tourney

  Talented Welsh prospect Barrie Jones gets his Prizefighter chance after Barry Morrison has had to withdraw due to a viral infection. Jones, 24, a former British Welterweight Championship contender, will be >
  
  

• Boxing Info: Lenny Daws

  Lenny Daws is aiming for a second professional win over Nigel Wright for the English Light-Welterweight Title to get him back into contention for the British Title. The rematch is chief >
  
  

• British Boxing: Stuart Elwell Looking Razor Sharp Ahead Of Ted Bami Clash

  © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing Stuart Elwell is looking in great shape ahead of his clash with Ted Bami this Friday night! In a Matchroom Sports promoted fight night at >
  
  

• Pryce Held.

  David Barnes has withdrawn from his British Welterweight title defence against Bradley Pryce on March 4 at the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes due to a bout of influenza. An >
  
  

• Boxing Result: Colin Lynes, John Simpson Win In British Title Fight Action

  There were two British title fight cards last night in the UK that saw one reigning champion hold onto his belt but another lose it after twelve hard fought rounds. At >
  
  

• Barnes Escapes with a Draw!

  British welterweight champion David Barnes tried his hand at international competition last night in Barnsley, England and was very nearly burned for his troubles. The Manchester man went twelve-rounds with >
  
  

---

Boxing News Tags: Barry Morrison, British Boxing, David Barnes, Matchroom Sports, Ringside