Ancliff ends losing run with draw

Scotland-born Ancliff had teamed up with trainer Julian McGowan at Central late last year and referee John Latham awarded the contest 58-58 after six two-minute rounds.

McGowan was delighted with his charge, saying: “To get a draw against a home fighter on an away show was as good as a win and we were all over the moon with James’s performance.

“It was a cracking fight and James listened to everything he was told and almost forced a stoppage at the end.”

McGowan was referring to a cracking overhand right shot which rocked Jones in the sixth round and forced his opponent to hold on to regain his composure.

Ancliff, who was cheered on at ringside by stablemate Gary Sykes, was unfortunate not to get the win but he will be out again on March 8 when he meets Sean Watson in Motherwell.

McGowan added: “James has been in with some of the best domestic fighters, against the likes of Lee Selby, Joe Murray and Kid Galahad but proved when he is well-matched, he deserves to be there.”