Arnfield scores points win in Manchester

He got the verdict in the six-rounder by a margin of 60-55 at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

Referee Darren Sarginson gave Arnfield every round bar one, which was shared.

It was a good work-out for Arnfield against a boxer whose record does not really do justice to indicate what a decent operator he is.

He controlled the first three rounds, but the game Blackwell was competitive in the fourth session, which was probably the one that was shared.

By the time of the sixth, Arnfield was well in command,and though Blackwell dug in, at the end he was not really offering a lot back, but was certainly not disgraced.

Arnfield said afterwards: "I am trying to keep myself busy after the win over John Ryder at the Manchester Arena.

"There were times when I thought I might stop Blackwell, but he was there for the staying and very tough."

On future plans, Arnfield said: "There is one fight that would be really big if it was to come off, but if that does not happen, I would love to fight for the British middleweight title and meet the winner of Tommy Langford and Sam Sheedy."

That duo face off in Cardiff next Saturday night.

It is the second Blackwell brother that Arnfield has boxed.

He lost to Nick Blackwell in a bid for the British title in Bristol last year, losing on points to the now retired fighter.