PETER Varnavas dropped a six round points decision against former ABA champion Geoff McCreesh on the Benn-Malinga undercard at Newcastle Arena.

The 21-year-old welterweight from Burnley accepted the bout at less than 24 hours' notice and, despite an admirable display, was outboxed by his talented opponent.

Varnavas suffered only superficial facial damage and plans to box in Dagenham on March 11.

Nigel Benn, who announced his retirement after losing the world title clash on points, is now reconsidering.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.