WORCESTER welterweight boxer Leroy Williamson suffered a points defeat at the Elephant and Castle Leisure Centre in London yesterday.

Stepping in at short notice to provide an opponent for unbeaten Camden Town fighter Brett James, Williamson defended well as the contest wore on, taking everything that James could throw at him.

Things looked ominous for the Worcester boxer mid-way through the opening round when an uppercut followed quickly by a left hook sent blood flying from Williamson's mouth.

But the bell sounded before James was able to capitalise on his early success.

Despite soaking up a good deal of pressure Leroy was still managing to counter with the occasional short right and by the end of the fourth he was beginning to frustrate his taller opponent.

James already had the fight won as the bell sounded to start the last round, but Williamson refused to surrender meekly and matched the Londoner punch for punch.

He certainly made James work hard to earn his 59-56 victory.