O'Donnell Decisions Watson, Grabs Commonwealth Belt

By Mark Vester

At York Hall in London, John O'Donnell (21-1, 9KOs) won a close split-decision over Craig Watson (13-3, 4KOs) to capture the Commonwealth welterweight title. It was Watson's first bout since beating Matthew Hatton last May. The packed venue saw a back and forth battle until the final bell. The scores were 115-114, 115-114 for O'Donnell and 116-113 for Watson.

The fight was close and could have gone either way. Watson started the fight with both hands blazing, which threw O'Donnell off his game plan and turned the bout into a brawl. The first six rounds were close. O'Donnell had Watson in trouble in the seventh. The remaining five rounds were filled with back and forth action with both fighter trying their best to win points. Both fighters felt they won when the fight was over.

O'Donnell said that he was willing to give Watson a rematch.

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