Boxing In Britain: Simpson Dethrones Truscott, Wins Commonwealth Title

Certified spoiler John Simpson pulled off another upset last night after defeating Commonwealth Featherweight Champion Paul Truscott at Eston Sports Academy in Truscott’s hometown of Middlesbrough, England on a Barry Hearn promotion.

Simpson, a former British Feather Champion, was tagged in the early rounds as he tried to come in on the sharper skilled Truscott but after the first few frames had managed to close the distance.

Once he had forced a close quarters contest, the shorter Simpson used his edge in strength and durability to gain the upper hand on the less experienced champion.

After six rounds of combat the pair were deadlocked until a accidental headbutt produced a bad cut under the right eye of Truscott.

A round later, the contest was halted as the champion could no longer see due to swelling of the eye and Simpson was declared the new Commonwealth Featherweight Champion.

The Greenock, Scotland based battler improves to 19-6 (7), while Truscott loses for the first time in his career to drop to 12-1 (1).

On the undercard, heavyweight Chris Burton, 14-1 (6), outpointed Ivor Marchinev, 4-10 (2), after eight rounds.