Welborn halts Haywood in thrilling fashion (From Halesowen News)

Welborn halts Haywood in thrilling fashion

10:23am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport

JASON Welborn retained his Midlands welterweight title in thrilling fashion by stopping Scott Haywood.

The 26-year-old Rowley Regis fighter further raised his credentials in one of the toughest divisions by passing a stern test with flying colours.

Derby’s Haywood retired on his stool at the end of round five having suffered a broken jaw after being downed twice in the previous round.

Up until that point, he had posed Welborn plenty of problems, fighting at range and connecting strongly several times — being reportedly ahead on referee Terry O’Connor’s scorecard.

In a thrilling contest, the third round was particularly explosive as both men enjoyed periods of pressure, Haywood switching between orthodox and southpaw and Welborn eager to force his man back onto the ropes.

Haywood’s acceptance of such pressure would eventually proved his downfall.

Early in round five, he was backed into the corner and caught flush with a Welborn right hook, which caused the jaw injury.

The Derby man hit back bravely and unloaded a barrage of punches but his opponent kept on coming forward and put him down again with a left to the body.

With his mouth full of blood, Haywood retired at the end of the round to hand Welborn his third successive stoppage win, following emphatic victories over Sean McKervey and James Flinn earlier in the season.

Promoter PJ Rowson believes Welborn is putting himself in line for a big title shot.

He said: “Jason is the most improved boxer I have seen in a very long time.

“The job Errol Johnson has done with him down at the Wednesbury gym is fantastic.

“I asked Jason after the fight what has made the difference and he says he is happy and enjoying his training, which is terrific.”