WORCESTER boxer Leroy Williamson slipped to a 98-95 points defeat at Nottingham's Victoria Leisure Centre despite a gutsy ten-round performance against local favourite Matt Scriven in a contest for both the British Masters and Midland Area light-middle-weight titles.

The taller Scriven, 3lbs heavier at 10st 13.5lbs, had picked up a nose-bleed in the opening seconds, but the action in the early rounds remained fairly even as both boxers landed regularly.

Williamson appeared the busier boxer but it was Scriven who was landing the cleaner, more telling punches.

A right-left combination from the Worcester boxer early in the fourth pushed Scriven onto the back foot but the Nottingham man had redressed the balance before the bell sounded.

Some toe-to-toe action had the crowd on their feet, before a big right hook from Scriven left Williamson with a bloodied nose. It was from this point that the home favourite began to step up the pace, catching William-son with shots that may well have sent a lesser opponent to the canvas.

But Williamson soaked up everything that was thrown his way and he still found time to reply with a series of right-left combinations that left Scriven with swellings beneath both eyes.

Williamson knew he needed a big last round but Scriven managed to stay out of trouble despite being caught by an early right to the body.

Referee Thomas demanded another round of applause from the crowd at the end and it was the least the two boxers deserved.