Abass Baraou Fends Off Scrappy Macaulay McGowan, Wins Unanimous Decision In Bolton

Skill over will.

Abass Baraou successfully retained his European junior middleweight title for the first time with a 12-round unanimous decision over a big-hearted Macaulay McGowan. Scores were 119-110, 118-110 and 117-111 for Barou in their Channel 5 main event Friday at Bolton Whites Hotel, Bolton, England.

Baraou (16-1, 9 knockouts) claimed the title last time out by besting Sam Eggington via majority decision in March. The 29-year-old German native turned away a spirited effort from Cheshire’s McGowan (20-5-2...