Jack Arnfield upsets John Ryder with points victory

Jack Arnfield claimed a unanimous points victory over John Ryder to win the WBA International middleweight title at the Manchester Arena.

Arnfield was awarded a 117-114 118-110 115-114 verdict after 12 rounds to relieve Ryder of his title in his first defence.

A cagey start to the fight saw Ryder attempt to seize the centre of the ring with Arnfield circling and trying to pick off his opponent using his longer range.

By the fifth round, Ryder appeared to find his rhythm ducking under the challenger's long jab and working the body with hooks.

Blackpool's Arnfield responded in the sixth, landing a one-two, while Ryder switched his attack from the body to the head in the seventh.

Londoner Ryder spent the next few rounds attempting to work on the inside and gained some success, but Arnfield soaked up the pressure and hit back in the 11th, landing a solid right and finishing with a combination.

Ryder was the busier boxer in the final round with Arnfield content to cover up and when the final bell sounded neither man celebrated.

Arnfield admitted afterwards it was a close fight and said he wants to fight Tommy Langford next for the vacant British title.

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"It was a close fight. I thought I nicked it," Arnfield told Sky Sports.

"I was hitting him with jabs, maybe 50 a round some rounds. They were scoring shots. He landed on the inside but overall I was more effective

"Chris Eubank Jr just vacated. Tommy Langford is without a partner so let's get it on. We're just four weeks away."