Puncher Sophie in narrow defeat

Shropshire's only female fighter, Sophie Potter, took her own brand of girl power to Tredegar, South Wales.

The 16-year-old Newport schoolgirl renewed hostilities with the home-town's Danielle Price, the boxer who spoilt her debut.

And again Sophie, who fights under the Donnington ABC banner, fell short by a whisker, dropping a majority decision after three frantic rounds.

But the county's very own Million Dollar Baby showed major improvement, both in style and stamina, and looked a shade unlucky not to get the nod.

Sophie's ring education is proving something of a learning curve for Donnington boss Brian Davies. He quipped after the Tredegar Leisure Centre contest: "I've got to learn to watch my language in the corner with ladies present."

Whether or not you're a fan of women's boxing - and I'm not - no one could question the commitment of both girls.

Taller Sophie looked to land long, straight punches while Price crowded forward. Both contributed to a hammer-and-tongs final session, swapping leather frantically.

Brian Davies added: "I was a bit disappointed with the decision - I thought Sophie's cleaner punches should've been better rewarded.

"But she showed a lot of improvement, which is the main thing. Even the fitness was better, which surprised me. I thought we worked harder for the first fight."

The Potter-Price series continues on April 2, with the girls facing each other at Donnington Sports and Social Club.

On the Tredegar bill, Donnington's exciting teenager Bilal Khan edged out Robert Leddington in a blood and thunder light-middleweight clash.

The majority decision proved unpopular with home fans, but was spot-on. Leddington, from Tredegar, ended the contest like a steam train, but had been second best for long periods.

Bilal, easing back after a stoppage defeat, dictated behind a stiff jab, while the Welshman waited too long for openings.

The Wellington 17-year-old, blood streaming from his nose, banged-in a heavy right in the second, but had to survive heavy pressure as Leddington looked to close the show in style.

Bilal has now won three of five fights.

By MIKE LOCKLEY