Arnfield victorious over Rose in Battle Of Blackpool

Arnfield deservedly got the verdict on the cards of all three ringside judges after 12 gruelling rounds.

It was a sedate start to the contest in the opening rounds, but Arnfield gradually started to assume control and get the better of his one-time training partner.

Rose did finish bravely in the 11th and 12th rounds but it was nowhere near enough to sway the result in his favour.

Arnfield took the verdict on the judges' scorecards by margins of 115-113 (twice) and 116-112, the latter score probably giving the best indication of how the contest went.

Afterwards, Arnfield's manager Steve Wood said there could be much more on the horizon other than a challenge for the British title for the winning fighter.

The defeat is bound to raise legitimate questions about whether it is time for Rose to call it a day after a long and distinguished career in both the professional and amateur ranks.

Rose said he would make no hasty decisions.

He said: "If Jack gave me a re-match, I would take it, otherwise I could retire, but it is too early to say whether I will."

Sadly, the two may not be the friends they had been in the past.

Arnfield accepted Rose's congratulations with apparent good grace.

Rose said: "Things can never be the same again,"

Arnfield has now had three excellent wins in a row as he rises up the middleweight ranks.

The win meant that he retained the World Boxing Association international middleweight title.