Boxing: McAllister’s challenge ends with a whimper

OUTCLASSED Scotsman Lee McAllister suffered an anti-climactic defeat in his European light-welterweight challenge against unbeaten Russian Denis Shafikov.

ighting on home turf in Aberdeen, McAllister was quickly reminded of the size of the task facing him as Shafikov dominated throughout.

McAllister’s efforts were further undermined by a hand injury which prompted him to quit after seven rounds.

He was underdog but made a solid start in the opening round. However, the champion was soon asserting himself, landing with regularity and spearing the Scot with occasional power shots.

Shafikov’s work was more industrious, commanding and punishing, and McAllister quickly became dispirited.

He held a clear height and reach advantage but could not keep the Russian off, instead being bullied around the squared circle and kept on the ropes.

Roared on by a partisan crowd at the Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, he shook off a lot of punishment – including an apparent hand injury – before calling it a night.

As the bell rang to restart the action the Scot got off his stool but, shaking his head, went straight to Shafikov to congratulate him on his win.

Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren hopes to set Nathan Cleverly up with a summer bout against Bernard Hopkins in Cardiff, and also wants the Welshman to help him take professional boxing back to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in a decade in April.

Cleverly enjoyed a superb homecoming on Saturday night as he outclassed American Tommy Karpency to retain his WBO light-heavyweight crown in Cardiff with a unanimous verdict from the judges.