Barrett downs Gavin for EU title

Francis Barrett made a significant breakthrough in European boxing circles in Nottingham, gaining a unanimous points decision over local favourite Gavin Down for the vacant European Union light welterweight title.

The belt, a rank below the European crown won by the Brendan Ingle-trained Junior Witter on last night’s card, is the 27-year-old Galway southpaw’s second of his career, following 2003’s Southern Area win. The win went to Barrett 97-94 after a bruising ten-round encounter with Down, ranked sixth in Britain.