BASINGSTOKE professional boxer Darryl Still kept himself in line for a title fight early next year by beating Rochdale’s Jason McArdle on points in a light-middleweight bout.

The 32-year-old fighter said: “I only noticed an hour before I was due to box that I had a change of opponent.

“When I questioned it they said ‘he’s an unbeaten lad who thinks he can beat you’ so I was well up for the fight.”

McArdle’s first outing was a victory over Mike Byles back in September, while Still had not been in the ring since a victory in June against Gareth Piper.

The first round at Southampton Guildhall was a cagey affair with a few uneventful lunges from McArdle.

The Basingstoke boxer stepped up the body assault in the second round and imposed himself on the bout as he fought from the centre of the ring throughout.

Still added: “Frank told me he could not take the body shots and let rip once I had him on the ropes.

“I did that, felt strong and was able to get back out of range effectively.

“I knew the fight was won in the last as I was in total control and opened up a nasty cut above his left eye, but the bell saved him.”

The points victory enhanced Still’s record to 12 wins in 17 pro fights and he is now hoping for a British Masters title fight in February against Mark Coombs, who is in action in a couple of weeks.

Still is really looking forward to getting back in the ring.

“I am buzzing right now and the victory has definitely refuelled my ambition,” he said.