Esham Pickering against Sean Hughes

British super-bantamweight champion Esham Pickering avenged his shock November defeat to Sean Hughes as he retained his title at Burton's Meadowside Leisure Centre.

Hughes beat Pickering on points in a non-title fight last time out, earning his title shot, but despite some worrying moments the champion secured a nine-round victory.

The 31-year-old was comfortably outgunned in the first round as he appeared to lack the movement to avoid some early Hughes blows.

After a stern talking-to in the corner, Pickering moved back into contention in the second and third rounds but mighty blows sent Hughes to the canvas twice in round four to bring him to the brink of victory.

Hughes showed huge reserves of courage to take the bout into the ninth round but the fight was stopped after Pickering landed a huge right hand.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Pickering
• super-bantamweight
• hughes
• esham
• boxing

[GUNKID780]

i know eshamm

[blackead]

rendell monrow would have him in 6 rounds

[misterwill9066]

Esham is a great guy, it was great to see him win the rematch! Fair play to Sean, he really dug in! Impressive fighters.

[bigclive1]

how did hughes get up from 1st knockdown