MARTIN Lindsay's attempt to win the C o m m o n w e a l t h featherweight title for the second time ended with defeat by dominant defending champion Josh Warrington in Leeds.
The Yorkshireman was always in control of the bout at the First Direct Arena, without being spectacular. He won despite the best efforts of the spirited Belfast man.
Lindsay battled superbly to take it the distance, but was always on the back foot and couldn't get through Warrington's defence to any great degree.
The one time he had success was in the fifth round. Having been well behind on the scorecard after four rounds, he caught Warrington with a couple of good body shots as he shaded a round for the first time.
The decrease in tempo of that round was soon reversed as the fight reverted to type in the sixth, with Lindsay showing swelling beneath the left eye. He had been caught beneath the right early in the fight and its condition worsened as the fight went on.
The 32-year-old did well to cover up and survive a Warrington rally late in the seventh, with a good right jab rocking Lindsay back on to the ropes. The hometown fighter failed to land the shot to finish him off though.
There was a brief storm again towards the end of the ninth but again it wasn't finished. Lindsay hit the deck but by virtue of a slip as he held on for another round.
But even by that stage, Warrington had landed 117 punches to Lindsay's 55. The victor didn't always threaten to open up and finish the former British champion but it was always the defending champion in control of the bout.
Despite the pleas of his corner as he headed into the final round, Lindsay couldn't find the punch he needed to knock Warrington out.