Inverness fighter Calum Turnbull goes distance but misses out on Scottish Super Bantamweight title by one point as Dylan Arbuckle crowned champion
INVERNESS City Boxing Club fighter Calum Turnbull missed out on the Scottish Super Bantamweight title as the judges' decision went against him as Dylan Arbuckle of Newarthill was crowned champion.
In a brutal 10-round contest, Arbuckle was given the decision 96-95 to take the vacated belt at the title bout which took place at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on Saturday night.
Inverness joiner Turnbull (24) put in an aggressive performance and landed several punches to the face, and appeared to be more defensively aware than his opponent.
But the judges felt Arbuckle's aggression during the fight was the difference to crown him champion. He did land a blow to Turnbull's eye early in the contest which resulted in it being cut.
Turnbull's coach Laurie Redfern, felt that was the moment which may have swayed the judges' decision.
He said: "In all my time in Inverness, and all the shows we've had, I don't think I have seen a contest quite like that. It was so close.
"I thought perhaps with Calum being from Inverness and the show being here, the sway (of the judges' decision) might have gone with us. It happens in some sports, where 'he's a local boy, he's just got it', but that was a bit unlucky,
"But Dylan's coaches came over after the fight and shook my hand.
"The cut took a couple of rounds out of him. It was quite a cut and that might have given Dylan a few rounds.
"On the whole, due to Calum's guts and determination, he deserved it."
Turnbull v Arbuckle was the main event of four fights which took place during the event on Saturday night.
The night opened with Lorna Redfern making her debut as the first female professional boxer from the Highlands.
She faced experienced Ukrainian Inna Statkevich in a bantamweight contest, and despite going the distance in four rounds, lost 40-36.
There were two victories for Inverness City Boxing Club fighters during the evening.
George Stewart was an impressive 40-36 winner against Miguel Zamora from Nicaragua.
The Highland Warrior used the fight as preparation for the Scottish super featherweight title fight against Dundee's Charlie Doig in Alloa on November 3.
He believes he is in good shape going into the title fight.
He said: "I have my Scottish title fight in three weeks in Alloa. I couldn't afford any mistakes in this one.
"I was always confident. I had Stevie McGuire as my manager and my old man in the corner, so it was a case of having a game-plan and me sticking to it.
"I was due to fight for the title on September 1, but we had to pull out as I wasn't well.
"I was gutted as it was part of a big show, but we're all ready for Alloa now. I am the main event on that night, so I can't wait.
"My opponent on Saturday was a southpaw and my opponent next month is a southpaw, so this was really good preparation."
Alness boxer Adian Williamson dominated in his 40-36 victory over Fernando Duran from Honduras in his super featherweight clash.
He said the performance was a statement for his future ambitions.
He said: "I knew when I got in the ring, I was just going to enjoy myself and outbox him, so it was good.
"I knew I was going to be fine and not get my face punched. I have still kept my pretty-boy looks!
"Preparation was spot-on, with sparring and running and keep on top of everything.
"I love fighting here at the Drumossie, with the crowd and the aftermath of winning - it gives you a real buzz.
"I feel I'm learning after every fight. Sparring is one thing, but it's completely different stepping into the ring. A night such as this brings a lot of attention to Inverness - I enjoyed it.
"I want to fight again as soon as possible and hopefully for a title. There's nothing lined up at the moment, but as soon as I get the call I'll be ready."
