Appleby defends against Pickering

Paul Appleby retained his British featherweight crown with a unanimous points victory over Newark's Esham Pickering in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old Scot hurt Pickering early on with some big rights to the head and lefts to the body.

Meanwhile Pickering, 32, was very negative early on and his sole aim seemed to be survival.

Pickering had a modicum of success late on as Appleby faded, but the judges were in no doubt about the outcome.

Appleby created history in June when he became the youngest Scot to hold a British title with a points victory over John Simpson.

The South Queensferry native was subsequently voted Young Boxer of the Year by British boxing writers.

Pickering, a former British, European and Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion, could now choose to retire.

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