Gerome undone by gulf in class

Warburton loss extends N.Wales wait for champ

- By OLIVER FENNELL

THE North Wales quest for a British boxing champion continues after Gerome Warburton's brave but unsuccessful bid for middleweight honours in London.

The Colwyn Bay 29-year-old had arrived in the English capital brimming with confidence ahead of Saturday's showdown with Northampton's Kieron Conway for the vacant belt (as well as Conway's Commonwealth title).

And he made a bright start inside the Copperbox Arena, banking the first round with fast, accurate and well-timed combination punching.

Conway, though was the more experienced operator.

Accordingly, he was quick to adjust to the problems posted by the visiting southpaw, timing Warburton's forward march with clever counter shots to win the second round.

Having found his range, Conway then added some spite to his shots in the third, knocking Warburton back, drawing blood from the Welshman's nose and possibly damaging his jaw too.