STOURPORT welterweight Ernie Smith fared better in his second boxing clash with Crawley's Ross Minter at Wembley Conference Centre but still lost.

When the two last shared a ring three years ago, Smith fell to a second round stoppage defeat against Minter who was then taking part in just his third professional fight.

It came as no real surprise when Minter once again emerged victorious but this time he had to settle for a four round points victory.

Smith, stepping between the ropes for the 88th time, wins rarely these days but Minter, the son of boxing great Alan, was warming up for a potential southern area title shot.

Minter began well, forcing Smith on to the back foot with a heavy right hook to the head and a left-right combination inside the opening round.

Smith, though, weathered the storm and replied with rare combinations of his own.

Despite walking onto a big right hook that raised a swelling on his left cheek late in the third round, it became clear Smith was going to make it through to the final bell this time.

Essex referee Mark Green scored the contest 40-36 in Minter's favour and there were no complaints from Smith.