Scott Fitzgerald drops Anthony Fowler en route to upset victory in Liverpool.

In a wonderful battle of undefeated former amateur teammates, Anthony Fowler 9-0 (8 Ko’s) and Scott Fitzgerald 12-0 (9 Ko’s) met in a highly publicised grudge match for the vacant WBA International super welterweight title in a chief support on the M&S Bank Arena, Matchroom card tonight in Liverpool..
Heavily favoured local fighter Fowler got off to a great start, establishing the faster jab, with more accuracy throughout the first couple of rounds.. In the third Fowler started putting quick combinations together, forcing the Preston fighter to be patient and bide his time.. By round 5 Fitzgerald appeared to be the more comfortable boxer, out-landing Fowler (Who was now cut above the left eye) with the jab continually and using his range exceptionally.. Scott maintained the pressure in round 6, forcing Fowler onto the reverse for the first time in the fight.. The Liverpool man found himself in unchartered territory by the 7th, and wasn’t responding well, continually loading up with his shots and allowing the more mobile Fitzgerald to pick his shots comfortably.. Both fighters had their moments in the 8th, Fitzgerald looking the more composed and relaxed having appeared to steal a string of rounds, again outscoring the more disorganised Fowler with the more meaningful shots, Fowler being warned for low blows at the end of the session. Round 9 saw the determined Liverpool fighter come out purposefully, landing sharp counters.. moments into the round Fowler landed a huge uppercut, followed by a barrage of relentless punches, for the first time Fitzgerald looked in desperate trouble, but stubbornly rode it out and towards the end of the round, fired back at the exhausted scouser, leaving Fowler looking demoralised.. All appeared even going into the final round, with both guys carefully fencing for openings, Fitzgerald made the breakthrough with a sneaky uppercut midway through the round, quickly followed by a right hand backing Fowler up unbalanced, before unleashing two quick left hooks that floored Fowler for the first time in his career.. Demoralised and not yet recovered, he walked into more Fitzgerald fire, before the Preston man, rather immaturely stepped back, and allowed the desperate Fowler precious moments to recover as he enjoyed a short moment of showboating, in the belief that he was now ahead in the fight.. At the final bell both guys acknowledge each other before returning to their corners in anticipation of the scorecards..

Scott Fitzgerald, the 6-1 betting underdog took the decision and WBA international title by scores of 96-94 (For Fowler) and 95-94 (Twice for Fitzgerald)

Both guys briefly embraced before some candid yet gracious interviews.. Fowler gave high praise to Scott whom he admitted had boxed a tough crafty fight.. Fitzgerald paid testament to Fowler’s strength and toughness but attested that his newly found vigour for dedication pushed him through when many had written him off.. Scott generously offered Fowler the chance of a rematch in the distant future but expressed interest in a fight with British Champion Ted Cheeseman next..