McClarnon loses title fight

Northern Ireland's Glenn McClarnon failed in his bid to land the British welterweight title when he was outpointed by champion David Barnes.

Fighting on the Ricky Hatton undercard in Manchester, the 29-year-old Lurgan fighter was beaten on a 118-111 score.

It was a second successful defence by Barnes, fighting in his home city.

Barnes shaded the early exchanges, connecting with a couple of big right hands, before McClarnon countered with some good attacks of his own.

Sensing the need to assert his authority, the champion visibly stepped up the pace.

A solid cross halted McClarnon's charge in the fifth but Barnes was still boxing largely on the back foot and a couple of thumping body shots in the seventh let him know that this was by no-means a one-way fight.

Barnes must have felt that this was close and the eighth saw him come forward with real intent for the first time.

As the challenger tired he began to take control, dominating the ninth and working effectively behind the jab before an uppercut in the 10th rocked McClarnon back.

Barnes grew in confidence and began to taunt the challenger in the 11th. But, to his credit, the Irishman would not go down and Barnes had to settle for the decision.