Skelton bores his way to retaining heavyweight title

Promoter Frank Warren promised the winner of the contest a world title shot by the end of the year but, on tonight's evidence, none of the four champions will be unduly worried by Skelton.

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Sprott weighed a career-high 17st 5lbs 3/4 but still gave away five pounds to Skelton, who came in at his lightest fighting weight for three-and-a-half years.

A cautious opening marked the first two rounds with Skelton, a former world kickboxing champion, happy to use his strength to maul his opponent on the ropes.

Both fighters were warned by the referee and Skelton was given another ticking off shortly after when he turned Sprott and then thumped his exposed back.

But, generally, Sprott was manoeuvring nicely and unleashed two left hooks in the fourth round to leave Skelton momentarily dazed.

Sprott continued to connect but so too did Skelton with some draining work on the inside, implementing his gameplan of mauling the 31-year-old into submission.

Boos rang out after the ninth round - justifiably so given the grappling showed no sign of ending - and the British rivals were told by the referee to change tactics.

A slow hand clap started in protest and a cheer greeted the arrival of the 12th and final round, before Skelton was announced winner.

One judge scored the fight a draw (114-114) but the remaining two (117-113 and 115-114) called it in Skelton's favour.