PAUL Burke celebrated the 27th victory of his career at the weekend when he retained his Commonwealth title against Bernard Paul.

Preston's lighter-welterweight, 32, looked comfortable as he emphatically beat his opponent for the second time at the MEB Arena in Manchester.

After eight rounds of stop-start fighting, Paul finally threw in the towel.

His trainer said the Southerner had lost his balance after a surge of rabbit punches from Burke.

For Burke there is still room for improvement. He said: "I am not completely satisfied. I was only doing well in spates."

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