ROWLEY Regis fighter Jason Welborn retained his Midland Area light middleweight title after a gruelling encounter with Dudley's Ryan Aston.

The pair went head-to-head at Wolverhampton Civic Hall tonight in a Black Country battle that lived up to its billing.

But after 10 enthralling rounds of boxing, it was Welborn that came out on top by taking the contest 96-94 on the scorecard.

However, the title holder didn't have it his own way and it was only his stronger finish to the fight that swayed the decision in his favour.

After a cagey first few rounds, 'Tank' Aston soon found his range and began to dominate in round five.

A brilliant body shot put Welborn to his knees. The challenger saw his opportunity and finished the round massively on top.

Tank followed this up with another big effort in round six, again the body shots finding their mark.

When Welborn did come forwards the nimble footwork of Aston ease him out of danger.

But, just when it looked like the fight might slip away from Welborn, he responded in fine fashion is the seventh.

He landed a flurry of big shots to rock Aston before the bell.

Welborn then continued to power forwards as the contest reached the final rounds.

Aston looked tired as the tank started to run dry and Welborn continued to land the better shots as he relentlessly strode forwards.

Not to be outdone, Aston fought back trying to maintain a lead he'd worked so hard to build in the earlier rounds.

But it wasn't to be and the fascinating encounter saw the Rowley Regis man eventually come out on top in front of a packed crowd.

After the fight, Welborn said: "I had to grit my teeth for this fight. I knew he'd be strong because it's a big fight for the area.

"I tried to box him and the later the rounds went the more I could sense he was getting tired.

"My corner told me to stick to the straight shots and I was catching him.

"When I got to the eighth I knew I had him. I could have gone another three or four rounds. I was really enjoying it.

When asked about his future plans, he added: "I'm not going to rush any decisions now. There will be no more rushed fights.

"I will sit down over the summer and see what is around. I'm going to do it properly this time and aim for a British or English title."

Aston was left disappointed by the decision.

He said: "My fitness was fine. I thought I boxed the correct fight. It was perfect. I gave a few silly rounds away but apart from that I won the fight.

"In my eyes I won that fight. I'm devastated.

"I now want another crack at it. Lets get it back on. I know I hurt him a lot throughout the fight."

Meanwhile, fellow Black Country fighters Tyler Denny and Les Byfield both tasted success on the night.

Both fights went the distance but Denny successfully overcame Arron Robinson and Byfield got the job done against an awkward customer in Matt Seawright.