By Alexey Sukachev

Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-Spring, United Kingdom - In what can only be described as a sheer war, British bantamweight champion Stuart Hall (9-0-1, 5 KOs) retained his title with the tenth-round TKO over shot but brave countryman and former national titlist, Martin Power, and prevented the latter from avenging his 2009 stoppage loss (which had come two rounds later in September). Power slipped down to 21-6 with 9 KOs and is just 2-6 in his last eight.

Hall was a better man from the starters. It wasn't his boxing skills but a frenetic power and superior durability which helped him to roll over tough Power. The reigning champion took the first couple of rounds getting much and much better as rounds progressed. Power came back with vengeance in the third and won it even despite an unsuccessful (yet wild) exchange at the end of the stanza.

Another war broke down in the fourht and it was in Hall's favour. The challenger was lucky to see the fifth round but he not only survived but got even better and delivered a tough fight to the defending titleholder. Round seven was a close one, and in the eighth Hall took some time off giving it to willing Power. The champion came back to his routine in the ninth and another ragnarok unleashed - this time in favour of Hall.

The end came at 2:30 of the tenth after another series of Hall's punches which saw Power reeling and prompted referee to step in saving from further punishment. TKO 10 for Stuart Hall in one of the best British battles in 2010.

Nigel Wright (22-6-1, 9 KOs), who has recently outpointed former super featherweight world champion Alex Arthur at welterweight limit, continued his way up, scoring an exciting tenth-round unanimous decision over Dean Harrison (16-4, 5 KOs). Scores were 98-92 (twice) and 97-93. Wright was down in the seventh.