Huddersfield boxer Tyrone Nurse improved his professional record to 31-2 last night with a solid points victory over 10 rounds against Manchester's previously undefeated Liam Taylor.

Judges returned a unanimous decision in favour of the Huddersfield fighter after an entertaining bout which Nurse largely dominated.

The fight, on the Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds Arena, was hastily scheduled after original opponent Chris Jenkins pulled out due to food poisoning - which Nurse only heard about through Twitter.

This meant Nurse, 25, lost out on his latest chance at the British light-welterweight title. But he didn't let disappointment affect his performance - the win keeps him in contention.

Entering the ring to a spirited welcome, Nurse started the fight up on his toes, looking to land with the jab and catch his determined opponent with short, crisp shots at close range.

Badly marked up Taylor found success to the body in the third round with a high volume of punches, but Nurse proved an increasingly elusive target, sending sweat flying as he landed a short right hand, but game Taylor came firing back.

Into the middle rounds, Nurse began to time his opponent, and a bloodied Taylor, still showing good workrate, found himself walking onto hurtful shots as he looked to be the aggressor.

Tyrone Nurse in action against Liam Taylor. Action Images / Craig Brough Livepic
Tyrone Nurse in action against Liam Taylor. Action Images / Craig Brough Livepic

But Nurse seemed happy to take his time and wait for quality openings, demonstrating his power in the seventh round by sending Taylor to the canvas with a sickening left hook to the body. A brave Taylor took an eight count and returned fire despite being badly hurt.

Taylor's spirit and durability was shown throughout the fight as he kept pressure on Nurse despite being picked off by sharp, spiteful counterpunches for his efforts.

In the ninth round, Nurse was quick off his stool, still looking fresh in a fight where he had not seemed to need to find his top gear.

After several feints, Nurse snapped Taylor's head back with a good jab then showed defensive slickness as Taylor unloaded shots to the body, few landing flush.

The final round took on a similar pattern. Taylor, almost certainly knowing he needed a stoppage, had some success, with a slightly marked Nurse slipping and rolling, and landing counters.

After the final bell, the judges gave scores of 97-93, 97-92 and 98-92 all in favour of Nurse.

He said: "I was a bit gutted (after Chris Jenkins pulled out) but you've got to be professional and do the job.

"I was still fresh at the end of 10 rounds. It wasn't my best but I enjoyed myself.

"Taylor was tough - you have to be in this game.

"Thank you to everyone who came along to see me fight."

The British title fight was expected to take place this summer, he added.

Trainer and father Chris Aston said: "He was a bit subdued, he was expecting a British title, but this was a good replacement, he was tough - and I thought Tyrone gave a good performance.

"After three rounds I think Tyrone got his measure.

"He enjoyed himself but I'd have liked to see him go for the stoppage.

"I don't think anyone has seen him on his very best form yet."