Bolton Whites Hotel (De Vere Whites), Bolton – For the IBO light heavyweight title, Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs) had to overcome some very tough moments to score a dramatic knockout of Braian Suarez (18-2, 17 KOs) in the tenth round.
Arthur was boxing well in the early rounds and was nullifying the punching power of Suarez. The jab of Arthur was a problem for Suarez, who was pushing his way in but unable to connect flush with a lot of his punches.
During the fourth, Suarez was warned for repeated punches to the back of the head. At the end of the round, Suarez finally landed a solid hook that dropped Arthur in the closing seconds.
At the start of the fifth, Suarez came out firing and pressing forward as Arthur was looking to hold him off with the jab. Arthur began to work his way back, but then a series of big punches put Arthur in serious trouble. The bell may have saved Arthur as he was on unsteady legs and taking big punches.
In the sixth, several uppercuts seemed to stagger Arthur for a moment. Arthur was doing whatever he could to slow down the pace and box. There was plenty of body work by Suarez in the seventh round. Most of the eight was Suarez coming forward and letting his hands go on Arthur to the head and body. At this point in the fight, Arthur was not moving as much and seemed content to lay on the ropes and look for counters.
The ninth round was close, with both having their moments. Artur came out peppering the jab in the tenth. He was then following up with combinations and holding Suarez when he got close. At the end of the round, Arthur landed a solid body shot, possibly to the liver, that put Suarez down in pain for the full count.