Billy Joe Saunders has won the WBO middleweight title after securing a points victory over Andy Lee in Manchester.
Saunders dropped Lee twice during the third round, and that proved crucial as the judges delivered verdicts of 114-112 and 115-111 in his favour, with the third official scoring the bout 113-113.
Most had predicted that the showdown would be a classic given the contrasting styles on show, but aside from the third round, it was a fight that never came to life as Saunders showcased his boxing skills to nullify the threat offered by the big-punching champion.
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The challenger showed that he carried a heavy shot of his own during the early stages, flooring Lee with a right hook before he followed up with another right that left his opponent on the brink of defeat.
Lee came back into the fight well without ever landing a shot that troubled Saunders, but during the second half of the bout, he began to have more success by executing his jab to good effect, a tactic that may have impressed the judges.
However, despite pushing hard in the final three minutes, it proved to be too little too late for Lee who in truth, surrendered his world crown in timid fashion, but Saunders was fully deserving of his triumph as he became world champion in his 23rd outing as a professional.
Darren Plant
