Tooting's Michael Ayers failed in his bid to become the IBO World Light-Welterweight champion last Saturday.

He was comprehensively beaten over 12 bruising rounds by Argentine champion Pablo Sarmiento at Wembley Conference Centre.

It was still a brave effort from Shakka' Ayers who was stepping up from lightweight for the first time.

But as the contest developed, Sarmiento's greater natural strength and weight advantage proved to be the difference between the two fighters.

The South American was given a 118-110, 120-108, 120-108 victory on the judges' scorecards.

Both gladiators have traded gloves before in an IBO lightweight title contest two years ago.

On that occasion in Cardiff, Ayers stopped Sarmiento in six rounds.

November 16, 2001 10:31