Near-tragedy at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday over-shadowed Harrow fighter Patrick Mullings' latest victory on Saturday.

Mullings' arch-rival, European super-bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver, suffered a life-threatening head injury in a tenth-round defeat, and was on a life support machine for 36 hours before regaining consciousness on Tuesday.

Mullings had given Oliver a tough time when they clashed for the vacant Southern Area title in February 1997, before Oliver won in the last round of what was voted the Fight of the Year by the country's scribes.

The Harrow hitman has been in tremendous form since, with a string of inside-the-distance victories, including a recent third-round win over Martin Krastev, the Bulgarian from whom Oliver took the European title.

Mullings has been looking for a rematch since that day, particularly after seeing Oliver make it into the big league by taking the European title, but all thoughts of boxing rivallry were put to one side by the horrific ending to Oliver's battle with Sergei Devakov.

Earlier Mullings had overcome the handicap of two broken fingers on his left hand to gain a controversial points decision over Ukrainian Rathim Mingaleev.

Referee Ian Lewis scored the bout 77-76 in favour of Mullings, but the verdict got a mixed reception from ringside onlookers.

Southpaw Mullings started the eight-round non-title clash well, with crisp right jabs to take the opening round. However, although Mingaleev's record was not particularly impressive, with 14 wins and six defeats, he proved a more than capable opponent. Moving well, he grew in confidence and began to penetrate Mullings defence.

Sensing he could be behind, Mullings stepped up the tempo in the closing rounds, but must have been relieved when referee Lewis ruled in his favour.

Mullings takes an enforced break while his hand heals, before resuming his quest for the British and European titles.

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