British middleweight Martin Murray has successfully defended his WBC silver title with a technical stoppage of Domenico Spada in Monte Carlo.

Spada sustained a cut in the early stages due to an accidental headbutt from Murray, who was deducted a point, and that saw the Italian swing at will against the St Helens fighter.

However, the challenger lacked accuracy and as Murray continued to pick up the rounds, a couple of observations from the doctor resulted in the contest being called off in the seventh round.

Spada argued that the encounter shouldn't have been stopped, but the three judges at ringside scored the bout 67-66, 68-63 and 69-67, all in favour of Murray.

It was a frustrating end for the 32-year-old, who may not be satisfied with the manner of a victory in Monaco which sets up a fight with the undefeated Gennady Golovkin in February.