SOUTHAMPTON'S Ryan Garner beat Archie Sharp by unanimous decision to retain his WBC International super-featherweight title. 

The 26 year old edged the bout 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 on Saturday evening at London’s O2 Arena.

Sharp had started quickly and landed a good right hand over the top to claim the first round.

A clash of heads saw Sharp cut above his left eye as Garner closed the distance. That cut worsened as blood got around his face in the fourth round.

The more aggressive Garner saw more success and forced Sharp backwards to the ropes as Sharp looked to stay away from him in the fifth.

Although the action slowed as the match progressed, Garner remained on top. He landed 147 of the 540 punches he threw. Sharp threw 409 and saw 128 of those land.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent after his win, Garner said: "I'm on cloud nine. This has changed my family's life.

"This was a tough fight. He is number three with the WBO. Now that I've won that, big doors open, big fights happen and with that big money.

Ryan Garner retained his title in LondonRyan Garner retained his title in London (Image: PA)

"I'm so happy, not just for myself but also for my family. I knew I was winning. Sometimes I was trying to hit too hard rather than timing it right.

"That was nowhere near the best of me because he is a very tricky customer. He was awkward. He was moving a lot so he was hard to pin down. We push on now."

On the undercard, Southampton’s Royston Barney-Smith won the WBO youth super-featherweight.

He claimed a unanimous decision win, scored 79-73, 78-74, 78-74, also extending his unbeaten record to 11-0.

He said: "It was a good overall performance. It was a good learning fight. I can't wait to get back in there to push on for bigger and better things.

"A good active fighter beats a good non-active fighter. If I'm busy, I'm growing. Sky's the limit really."