Barney's world title win sparks fights outside the ring

MATTHEW Barney's success in taking the WBU world lightheavyweight title in Portsmouth last weekend was tainted by angry scenes among the crowd at the Mountbatten Centre.

The 29-year-old from Durley had just taken the crown by outpointing local boy Tony Oakey, when scuffles broke out as he tried to leave the ring.

The police were called and Barney and his family were forced to wait almost 45 minutes in the ring while being protected by security men.

Said Barney: "It did ruin the night a bit and was totally unnecessary. You want to be able to walk away proud as world champion and not like that."

Exit by rear door

He was eventually forced to leave the Centre by a rear door to avoid a group of fans in the car park.

But he had no argument with Oakey, who came into the dressing room to congratulate him on taking his title.

"Everything was fine between Tony and me, but he was upset at the reaction of some of his fans," said Matthew.

"They've been great for him in the past, but you have to be good losers as well," he added.

Maloney blasts Portsmouth

And Oakey's manager Frank Maloney, one of British boxing's top promoters, says it's unlikely that Portsmouth will stage any future major contests.

"What we saw was disgraceful. There's no room for that sort of behaviour - fans should be able to accept defeat with good grace," he said.

"It wasn't Matthew's fault that he was given the decision by the judges. If we can't guarantee people's safety then we won't be coming here again."

Rematch is still likely

Maloney said he wanted a rematch between the two fighters, but would have to think seriously about where to stage it.

Barney had taken the fight at just 48 hours notice after a succession of possible opponents for Oakey had been forced to pull out.

The former Fair Oak schoolboy is the British super-middleweight champion and was forced to fight at a weight above his usual limit. He was booed throughout, but did enough to gain a majority points verdict from the judges.

First 'local' champion

Barney is the first ever world champion from the Eastleigh/ Southampton area and joins the legendary American Roy Jones as one of the current holders of the various world titles at lightheavyweight.

"It's unbelievable as I don't usually get too much attention," he said.

Barney and his advisors must now decide whether to continue at the higher grade or step back to his natural fighting weight of 12 stone.

"I'm happy to give Tony a rematch, wherever it is, but I'd also like to defend my British title," he added.

Barney had been preparing to defend it against Tony Dodson on November 22nd - it's a date he intends to keep.