Draw for Rafferty and Witherspoon

The stage has been set for a third boxing exhibition between Wolverhampton's Nigel Rafferty and former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon.

The two have already agreed to meet for a third time at the Moat House Hotel in Stoke on 12 October, after a fighting draw at Wolverhampton Civic Hall yesterday afternoon.

Rafferty won their first contest on points at Wolverhampton's Goodyear Pavilion in April 2009 but their latest showdown took place over six rounds, rather than four.

And there was nothing friendly about the competitive nature of their second fight which became a toe-to-toe battle over six rounds, with 'Raffo' cut by the end.

A clash in the last round saw him receive two stitches to his right eyebrow, with both having taken big punches to get to the closing stages.

Witherspoon has held the WBC and WBA world titles and was keen to avenge his first loss at the hands of 'the Centurion,' who came under fire to uppercuts and hooks.

Rafferty responded by working to the body but they could not be separated at the final bell, with Witherspoon admitting it could happen again.

He said: "I will do it for charity and all that stuff, because that's what I am all about doing.

"I wanted to test my waters yesterday and see how much I had left, I did my time but I still have a lot to offer."

'Raffo' added: "It's 1-0 but I am really two up, because I won the first one. Let's get it on, this one will be the decider.

"I am meant to be fighting Butterbean before that – and I don't think he will last a round with me."