Boxing: Lee Selby body blow ends John Simpson’s challenge

Greenock’s John Simpson failed in his challenge for Lee Selby’s British and Commonwealth featherweight titles when he was stopped in the fifth round by the Welshman at York Hall in Bethnal Green last night.

Selby, who had won the titles by knocking out Stephen Smith three months ago, continued his stunning form by handing veteran Simpson the first inside-the-distance defeat of his career.

A left hook to the body from Selby saw Simpson struggle to beat the count and he failed to convince the referee he was fit to continue after two minutes and two seconds of the round.

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Meanwhile, Carl Froch is hoping Andre Ward’s recent cut will dissuade the American from fighting dirty with his head when they clash on Saturday.

The pair meet in Atlantic City in a unification of two super-middleweight world titles and the final of the Super Six tournament. The contest had been scheduled for 29 October but, when Ward sustained a cut over his right eye in sparring, it was postponed. Ward insists the injury is fully healed and Froch says he will not target the wound, but the Nottingham fighter admits it could have other advantages.

Ward won the WBA title with a technical decision win against Mikkel Kessler when the Dane suffered a horrible cut and there were accusations of headbutting levelled at Ward. He has a reputation for liberal head movement but WBC champion Froch believes he may be more careful now.

“It might slow down his use of the head a bit because there is scar tissue above his eye that could potentially open back up,” said Froch. “He’s not going to want that so maybe he’ll lay off a bit with his head.”

Ward was keen to address the accusations. The unbeaten American, an Olympic gold medallist in 2004, said: “They want to over-compensate and tell the referee ‘look out for his head’. I don’t lead with my head. I’m a regular fighter. When I fight inside, things happen.

“People try to tag me with being a dirty fighter.

“I can put my head on anybody’s chest in a boxing match. That’s part of boxing.”

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