Simpson stops Truscott in 10th
John Simpson scored a 10th round stoppage over previous foe Paul Truscott to retain the Commonwealth featherweight title before Truscott's home fans in Middlesborough.
In a very tough, gruelling encounter Truscott was cut over both eyes in the early rounds and must have been concerned that the fight would be stopped on cuts.
Truscott coped well with the cuts despite his face being covered in blood for much of the fight. Neither fighter backed off and this suited Simpson's high energy, aggressive style. Simpson's greater strength and maturity appeared to be the deciding factor with both fighters giving everything.
Finally in the 10th Truscott began to wilt from the onslaught but he was never going to give up and the ref did the right thing with an excellently timed stoppage with Truscott taking a few clean shots without reply.
Despite defeat Truscott can be proud of his performance and is still young at 23 to come back stronger. It would help him if he could also develop more of knockout punch power.
Simpson looked strong and solid throughout and would not be denied. He may now challenge for the British title that he has held previously.