Duo see both British cracks end in TKO loss

Woe betided the West Midlands fighters in there for a second crack at the British title as both were taken out inside the distance at the Manchester Arena.

Walsall's Martin Gethin retired in the second half of his fight with Terry Flanagan, the former champion thwarted in his attempts to reclaim the crown.

Rowley Regis' Jason Welborn was waved off in the sixth round, after crumpling into a heap through a crippling shot to the sternum from champion Liam Smith.

The duo were determined to show what they can do in front of the BoxNation cameras, with Welborn last competing for the Lonsdale belt at welter last year.

The 28-year-old was hoping for an easier night then against Frankie Gavin that time but he left a session earlier here up at light middle, although the fight was far closer.

He took some punishment on the way but enjoyed some success in the second, letting his hands flow with hooks that forced Smith to cover up.

Welborn had already visited the canvas twice, first flung to the floor before a blatant low blow again forced him to come off his feet. For the latter, Smith was lucky to escape without a point deducted.

But the noted puncher was well beaten by a legal blow as a not completely loaded right hook landed bang on the button, Welborn retreating to take a knee.

He was given every chance by referee Howard Foster but couldn't catch his breath in time, the official making the decision for him.

Gethin left the ring in a mess, having been pulled out by his corner after seven rounds with Flanagan for the now-vacant lightweight belt.

His right eye was cut, swollen shut with his ear blowing up like a balloon after relentless pressure from the highly-charged 'Turbo' Terry.

The first blood shed did come from a headbutt, though, when their bonces clashed in the third which should have sent him into defensive mode.

Foolishly, Gethin was goaded into continuing to come forward and, already hurt, came off much worse as the rounds wore on. Nonetheless, referee Terry O'Connor let the fight flow.

But he could barely see after Flanagan's flurries on the back foot nearly closed his eye, with wild hooks leaving his ear damaged. By rights, he was in no fit state to continue.