Boxing: James Armah Retains Crown

Britain's Charles Shepherd's hopes of recapturing the Commonwealth Super Featherweight crown against Ghana challenger James Armah, came to an unexpected ending in Glasgow.

The 30-year-old Carlisle battler was edging towards a possible points victory, with three rounds remaining, when an old eyebrow injury reappeared.

With blood seeping from the ugly wound and the eye closing fast hampering his vision, Carlisle retired at the end of the ninth round.

"There was no sense in continuing," his manager Jack Doughty emphasised.

"He just could not see the shots coming, that was the real problem."

For the all-African champion it was scenes of jubilation in his corner after the victory.

"I came to Scotland to win, our plan worked a treat and I am delighted."

It was ironic that referee Roy Francis had to warn the Accra boxer on two occasions to watch his head, but Shepherd refused to be drawn into the debate.