UNBEATEN Birkenhead lightweight boxer Sean 'Masher' Dodd notched-up his eighth professional win on points over six rounds against Reading’s Ibrar Riyaz at Liverpool Olympia on Saturday night, writes Phil Rostance.

Although Dodd won every round according to referee John Latham's scorecard - 60-54 points - it proved an awkward fight similar to the one a year ago – at the same venue where Dodd faced Welshman Chuck Jones who is also known for coming in with the head.

Riyaz came into the ring with more than 50 fights under his belt - having boxed 279 rounds compared to Dodd’s 30 rounds since turning professional with Birkenhead’s Venture Boxing Club in March 2012.

Dodd weighed in 9 stone 9 lbs 4oz - about 2 ½ lbs lighter than his opponent - he started aggressively and it looked as if he wanted to force an early stoppage after having landed some useful clubbing rights to Riyaz's chin.

In the second round Dodd looked composed and landed a powerful right uppercut on his foe - the Reading boxer appeared open to this punch.

But later in the round Riyaz was warned by Latham for pushing his opponent off balance.

He went on to have a point deducted for making a similar manoeuvre in the fourth round.

Riyaz, 28, stood at 5ft 4 ½ inches but telegraphed a looping right hand which appeared to be thrown from a height of over 6ft - Dodd’s concentration appeared distracted in third round and he was caught again with it in rounds five and six.

But overall, Dodd, 5ft 7 inches was landing powerful shots - uppercuts - a stiff jab followed by the right crosses as well as body shots. It looked as though Dodd had the fight in control and in the bag.

However, in the sixth and final round Dodd landed four good uppercuts but was caught by a clash of heads on his left eyebrow which later needed five stitches.

Fortunately for Dodd it didn't bleed too much and his vision wasn’t impaired. Dodd continued as normal so his opponent didn’t realise the depth of damage and maintained his unbeaten run.

Dodd, 29, said afterwards: "It was an awkward fight similar to the one last December against Chuck Jones - I started off quite fast as I was keen to get stuck in having been out of the ring for over five months.

"Riyaz was dropping his head and then rushing in with his punches - this caused a real nuisance and led to my cut from his head butt.

"I'd like to thank my sponsors Darren Campbell Pro Athlete Supplementation as I have found their products have really built up my strength, fitness and stamina.

"I really feel I'm ready to challenge for titles in 2014."

Dodd is having a well earned rest over Christmas and once fully healed will be ready to take on his ninth opponent in the New Year.