DANNY Bharj claimed a shut-out points success over Ibrar Riyaz at the GL1 Leisure Centre tonight.

The 27-year-old was too fast and too slick for the Reading fighter as he took the 40-36 decision.

The former Walcot and England amateur was off his stool and straight into action against Riyaz, but both men had their men in an entertaining opening session.

However, Bharj’s footwork was too good and had his opponent off balance a number of times.

In the second round Bharj, again dancing around the ring and being far too elusive for Riyaz to hit, started to find his combinations punches scoring with several jabs to the head.

But Bharj took his foot off the gas in the penultimate round as Riyaz had him on the ropes with a flurry of punches. However, Bharj was never in trouble and easily spun out of range.

Having been told by his trainer Richard Farnan that he had lost the third session, Bharj came out with all guns blazing in the final round and had Riyaz in trouble but just couldn’t get him out before the final bell.