Al Harbi retains his title in drab affair

Al Harbi was in the ascendancy throughout at Liquid nightclub in Luton on Sunday afternoon, winning every round as his sloppy adversary was even penalised a point for holding in the fifth.

Despite the glitterball shorts, Romford fighter Cottier, who weighed in at 11st 7lb, failed to live up to the razzmatazz of his outfit as Al Harbi had far too much for him.

Al Harbi, 11st and from Birmingham, evidently had more ability than his challenger but the first two rounds were a cagey and shot-shy affair.

Charging bull Cottier was warned for the use of his head in the third and the few punches that were landing came from the champion.

Cottier was fined a point for holding in the fifth, but Al Harbi was by far the sharper against the messy challenger.

The Birmingham boxer looked to keep the challenger at bay with his rangy jab in the sixth, while both found the target in the closing stages.

A higher octane finish saw Al Harbi land the crisper blows and it was no surprise that he was awarded every round at the final bell as he recorded a resounding victory.