by Alex McIntyre | Thu. Dec. 16, 2010

Scotland's John Simpson upset the previously undefeated Martin Lindsay, to win the British Featherweight Championship in a pulsating battle at the King's Hall in Belfast. Simpson took the decision 116-113 on all three scorecards.

A highly motivated Simpson said prior to the bout, that he would have "nowhere to go" if he lost this fight, and it showed as he took the fight to Lindsay from the opening bell. Not to be outdone, Lindsay matched the the gritty Scot and the two Celtic warriors traded rounds in the early goings. Simpson pressed the action, investing heavily to the body while the more accurate Lindsay stood his ground, responding with far more venom on his punches.

With Lindsay's promoter Frank Maloney announcing last week that "Mac Man" Lindsay was on a 3 step plan to a world title shot in 2011, the stage was set for the Belfast man and heavy betting favorite to shine in front of his home crowd. It was to be the Scot however, who edged in front with the early body shots beginning to take effect by the 5th and 6th rounds. Into the 7th, Simpson didn't let up and the fight was beginning to slip away from Lindsay before a stirring rally saw him taking the 8th and 9th rounds.

Lindsay now had an urgency to his work, and he was starting to find Simpson with more regularity. Beautiful left and right hooks were finding their mark and the stinging punches were dragging Lindsay back into the fight. The strength of the Scotsman however, was a key component throughout the night and Simpson edged the 10th round leading to an epic finish to one of the best British fights of the year. The 11th was undoubtedly the round of the fight as a seesaw battle ensued. Neither man backed down, and both took turns to give the fans their moneys worth in a round that was almost impossible to split.

The champion, with one eye completely closed came out firing in the last stanza. After being told he needed to win the round big, Lindsay put nasty intentions on every shot but despite the brave effort, the tenacious challenger would not go down. Lindsay lost his title, but was magnanimous in defeat.

"He was a bit sharper on the night," said Lindsay. "I'm just disappointed in my own performance. I know I am a lot better than that. But full credit to him, he came and won the belt in Belfast, so i have to give him credit where credit's due."

Simpson was delighted with his win telling ringside reporters, "It was a great fight. Me and Martin have got Similar styles, so it clashed really well. Knowing that my career might be over, it really scared me, I had to dig deep because martin is a great fighter. It was a great contest, which I knew it would be from the start."

Despite a 3 point advantage for Simpson on all three scorecards, OtG felt the fight to be a little closer giving it to Simpson 115-114. A great night at the famous old King's Hall to end another year of boxing on a high.