Billy Joe Saunders retains WBO title after points win over Artur Akavov

Billy Joe Saunders has retained his WBO world middleweight title after beating Russia's Artur Akavov on points at Paisley's Lagoon Leisure Centre.

The 27-year-old Englishman, who twice had his first title defence postponed because of injury, appeared sluggish and struggled to let off shots in the early stages.

However, he soon picked up the pace and connected with powerful shots in the eighth and ninth rounds, but neither fighter could land a knockout blow and so it went to the judges.

Their scorecards had it 116-113, 116-112, 115-113 in favour of Saunders, who extended his record to 24 wins, with 12 knockouts.