 PAUL SMITH admitted he was delighted to capture the British super-middleweight title in front of a packed home crowd at the ECHO Arena as professional boxing on Merseyside took a giant leap forward. Close on 6,000 fans packed out the King’s Dock venue as Smith edged a majority points decision over city rival Tony Quigley after 12 ugly but absorbing rounds. Promoter Frank Warren was quick to confirm that the close fought contest would be followed up with a swift rematch, but both fighters were equally keen to take some time out and enjoy Christmas first. The build-up to the title fight had often been intense with both men trading insults and even going for one another at the final press conference. But after they embraced in the changing rooms afterwards both simply seemed relieved to have the pressure of a Merseyside derby lifted off their backs. New champion Smith said: “It was incredible out there and reminded me so much of the early days when Ricky Hatton was selling out the MEN Arena in Manchester. “That’s what the sport is all about and hopefully this is the first of many big nights for Liverpool. It was amazing.” He added: “Tony Quigley showed great heart in there. He was so brave and kept coming back at me, but right now he’s the last person I want to think about. “I’ve done nothing but think about Tony Quigley 24 hours a day seven days a week for months. “Now I just want to have a nice Christmas and a good break.” Quigley added: “It wasn’t a great fight I think we both know that. We were clashing heads and trying to do the same things so it just didn’t work but the atmosphere was great and we sold a lot of tickets.” Admittedly the quality of the bout fell some way short of the magnitude of the occasion as true derby day pressure saw both fighters fail to light up the ring until the closing stages. Contrasting styles so often make for great fights, but theirs failed to gel and Friday night’s fight was very physical. Kent referee Richie Davies, the third man in the ring, earned every penny. Many of the rounds were very close to call as quality and accuracy made way for tense pressure and clinching. And at ringside few could separate the pair after the final bell, with a draw seemingly the most popular vote. However, the men that matter – while divided – handed Smith his first major title success since his Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2002. | 
