It was a night of celebration for Tyrone Nurse who has brought the British Super-Lightweight title belt back to Huddersfield after 12 gruelling rounds against Welshman Chris Jenkins.
The 25-year-old was looking to prove a point in last night’s bout at Manchester Arena following their previous clash in July, which ended in a contentious draw.
Nurse said he was ‘ecstatic’ at the result following an evenly matched, clean fight which saw him go down in the fifth from a clinical right from Jenkins, resulting in a standing eight count.
However the Huddersfield fighter, who appeared to have been pacing himself during the earlier rounds, was straight back up on his feet and didn’t look to have been hurt.
Early in the fight a bad cut opened up on Jenkins’ left temple which Nurse looked to take advantage of.
Both boxers kept up a frenetic work rate, throwing high volumes of punches to the head and body - Jenkins having success when he was able to get Nurse up against the ropes.
But the fatigue was starting to show in 27 year old Jenkins by the eighth round - but by round 10 both fighters were dialling up the aggression, Jenkins coming out of the corner on his toes at the bell.
Plenty of punches were still coming from both fighters by the end; the slicker work coming from Nurse who looked relaxed up until the final bell.
And it was Nurse’s night, the judges scoring it a clear 115-112, 115-112, 116-111.
Nurse said: “I’m ecstatic - I’m over the moon.
“I thought I was ahead - the knockdown changed things a bit but I kept my composure, upped my game, took control and stayed in the lead. It was a close fight but I think I deserved it.”
His trainer and dad Chris Aston said the intention going into the fight was to pace the earlier rounds and push Jenkins later on, waiting for him to tire.
Nurse joked he was scared to go back to his corner to face Chris after the knockdown, adding: “I was thinking I didn’t really want to go back to the corner and my dad to tell me off! I was expecting a right hand across the cheek!
“It was a good shot but I shouldn’t have switched off, but that’s boxing.”
Nurse is now looking forward to Christmas and the arrival of his first baby, due on March 3. He joked: “I’d rather he’s a footballer than a boxer, there’s more money to be made!”
