Boxing: Akinwande holds on to title

Henry Akinwande took just seven rounds to knock out Mario Schiesser in Berlin last night and retain his European heavyweight title. It was an impressive display by the 28-year-old Londoner, who had little trouble in packing off an opponent who did not possess the ammunition to trouble him. The champion, a stone heavier and more than 6 inches taller than his challenger, put his advantages to good use from the first bell, extending jab after jab as Schiesser did his best to make his mark. The German showed great heart but by the sixth he was looking tired and disheartened. Three minutes later he was defeated as well, after Akinwande had opened up with both fists to dispatch the 29-year-old to the canvas. Mickey Duff will now seek a better class of opposition for his fighter after this second successful defence.