Max Hughes nabs ugly majority decision win over Kid Galahad

It certainly won't be remembered for being one of the greatest bouts of all time but Max Hughes will undoubtedly be pleased with his victory over Kid Galahad by majority decision.

With both boxers having a reputation for being counter-punchers and in their 30s, no one believed this would be a classic fight but it was a bit surprising just how scrappy it got at certain points.

Almost to underline the point, Galahad had a point deducted in the 10th round for head butting, which proved to be truly disastrous in such a closely-fought encounter.

After all was said and done, the official lines from the judges read 114-114, 114-113, and 116-111 in favour of Hughes, meaning the deducted point cost Galahad at least a split decision.

Speaking about Galahad, fight promoter Eddie Hearn said: "He's a tricky customer, a switch-hitter. This was a fight that divided opinion. I think it's very close. Someone texted me saying Galahad won, and someone texted me saying Maxi won. He rolled the dice, and he came through it, even though he's got a nasty cut. And now he can get that big American payday."

Hughes agreed with the sentiment and admitted interesting tactics were being employed throughout the fight.

"Tell you one thing: in 17 years of boxing, I've never been hit on the sides of the ribs. He's a cheeky bugger for that. They were the tactics. But I just stay composed," he said.

"I was praying that I'd win. For me, I'm full of adrenaline, I don't want to speak out of turn. I know I started slow, and I know it was probably close, but I just listen to my corner.

When asked who he would be looking to fight next, the pragmatic and experienced Hughes cut straight to the point: "Whoever pays the most money."

The highlight of the bout was an energetic start to the 11th round when the two went after each other from the start of the round in a flurry of blows that left Hughes with a cut about his left eye.

Unfortunately, though, moments like that were few and far between and Hughes had to settle for a scrappy win that will likely not be long remembered by boxing fans.