Anderson stunned by Ali

KEVIN Anderson sensationally lost his Commonwealth welterweight title on a split decision against Ali Nuumbembe at the Fife Ice Arena, Kirkcaldy.

Anderson had been on top until the seventh round but, in a remarkable turnaround, the Fifer was lucky to survive the eighth. From then on, the champion struggled and was left hanging on by the time the final bell went.When the scorecards were returned, Anderson was disappointed to find a split decision had cost him his belt.Inside an atmospheric arena, the champion made an encouraging start, finding his way through the defence of the challenger.The Namibian however, recovered from his sluggishness to throw some combinations back and a real battle was on the cards.In the second round, Nuumbembe was staggered by a powerful left and right combination from the Scotsman and, as the home fans urged Anderson on, it looked like it could be an early finish.The Manchester-based fighter steadied himself but Anderson was clearly on top.Nuumbembe was on the receiving end of another terrific combination from Anderson at the start of the third round, the challenger looking a little desperate as he tried to recover his composure again.The Fifer was taking the occasional shot but still looked too strong as he prowled the centre of the ring.Round four saw a fresh wave of attacks from the champion but he had to show the defensive side of his game for the first time as Nuumbembe began throwing some powerful punches.However, the Scot was still ahead as the contest eased into the fifth round.The Namibian looked positive but, as soon as he threatened to steal a round, Anderson would come back with some eye-catching work to show his superiority.Several fierce exchanges lit the sixth round up but again Anderson edged the scoring.Round seven provided more of the same, the Fifer invariably coming out best in the clinches but there was no doubting the bravery of the Namibian.Anderson continued to control the pace and tempo from the centre of the ring and, by round eight, it looked like formality for the champion.However, the cut that had appeared over Anderson’s left eye was concerning for his corner, the challenger taking heart from his breakthrough as the contest turned.Anderson was struggling with Nuumbembe sensing the fight was there for the taking.The Scot was all over the place, his defence in tatters as the challenger threw in clubbing right-handers.An incredible ninth round ensued as the Fife fans cheered themselves hoarse in attempt to gee up their man.Anderson was relying on sheer guts to keep him on his feet as Nuumbembe looked for the knockout.The 10th round saw Anderson steady himself but still the Namibian was finding his way through at times.The 11th was nailbiting, as Anderson, with his bloodstained trunks, tired but held on.The last round promised drama and did not disappoint.Nuumbembe, with his corner pushing him on, went for the knockout he thought he needed.Both boxers punched themselves almost to a standstill but Anderson held on only to find out it had not been enough when the scorecards were added up.PA SportFrom then on, the champion struggled and was left hanging on by the time the final bell went.When the scorecards were returned, Anderson was disappointed to find a split decision had cost him his belt.Inside an atmospheric arena, the champion made an encouraging start, finding his way through the defence of the challenger.The Namibian however, recovered from his sluggishness to throw some combinations back and a real battle was on the cards.In the second round, Nuumbembe was staggered by a powerful left and right combination from the Scotsman and, as the home fans urged Anderson on, it looked like it could be an early finish.The Manchester-based fighter steadied himself but Anderson was clearly on top.Nuumbembe was on the receiving end of another terrific combination from Anderson at the start of the third round, the challenger looking a little desperate as he tried to recover his composure again.The Fifer was taking the occasional shot but still looked too strong as he prowled the centre of the ring.Round four saw a fresh wave of attacks from the champion but he had to show the defensive side of his game for the first time as Nuumbembe began throwing some powerful punches.However, the Scot was still ahead as the contest eased into the fifth round.The Namibian looked positive but, as soon as he threatened to steal a round, Anderson would come back with some eye-catching work to show his superiority.Several fierce exchanges lit the sixth round up but again Anderson edged the scoring.Round seven provided more of the same, the Fifer invariably coming out best in the clinches but there was no doubting the bravery of the Namibian.Anderson continued to control the pace and tempo from the centre of the ring and, by round eight, it looked like formality for the champion.However, the cut that had appeared over Anderson’s left eye was concerning for his corner, the challenger taking heart from his breakthrough as the contest turned.Anderson was struggling with Nuumbembe sensing the fight was there for the taking.The Scot was all over the place, his defence in tatters as the challenger threw in clubbing right-handers.An incredible ninth round ensued as the Fife fans cheered themselves hoarse in attempt to gee up their man.Anderson was relying on sheer guts to keep him on his feet as Nuumbembe looked for the knockout.The 10th round saw Anderson steady himself but still the Namibian was finding his way through at times.The 11th was nailbiting, as Anderson, with his bloodstained trunks, tired but held on.The last round promised drama and did not disappoint.Nuumbembe, with his corner pushing him on, went for the knockout he thought he needed.Both boxers punched themselves almost to a standstill but Anderson held on only to find out it had not been enough when the scorecards were added up.PA Sport