Jason Welborn's world title shot ends in defeat

The 32-year-old, who lives in Tividale, put in a brave performance in what was comfortably the biggest night of his career at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

But his challenge was ended when Hurd, who holds the IBF, IBO and WBA belts, floored him the fourth round with a sickening body shot. Welborn dropped instantly to his knees and though he eventually rose to his feet, was unable to beat the count.

The former British middleweight champion can, however, return to the Black Country with his head held high after giving Hurd a number of difficult moments, in a fight where he was a big underdog.

Indeed, Welborn had the unbeaten Hurd pinned on the ropes early in the fourth round and the champion delivered a low blow, missed by the referee, to ease the pressure.

There was no disputing the quality of the punch which finished it. Hurd hit Welborn with a powerful right-hand to the ribs, from which there was no coming back.

Despite defeat, Welborn’s performance drew praise from the watching pundits. Telford’s former world super-middleweight champion Richie Woodall claimed he had provided “the blueprint” on how to beat Hurd.