Froch and Witter extend winning runs

Froch was marginally more impressive in defence of his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles against Southampton's reluctant Matthew Barney and won a clear points decision.

But, worryingly, Barney was able to make Froch miss far too often. However,Froch improved his record to 16 wins from 16 starts and provided his management can sit down and do a sensible deal there is every chance his progress during the next nine or so months will include a quality European or world title fight.

In the joint main event Witter won a tight points decision against Ukraine's Andreas Kotelnik in defence of his European light-welterweight title.

It was Witter's 17th consecutive win since losing a world title fight in 2000 but it clearly showed he is getting bored beating fighters he has no fear of. Like all quality boxers - and, make no mistake, Froch and Witter are genuine world-class operators - he needs a high degree of competition and a sense he might lose.