JASON Welborn’s world title tilt ended in defeat despite a spirited showing against champion Jarrett Hurd.

The American retained his WBA 'Super' and IBF Super Welterweight belts and his unbeaten tag thanks to a stoppage win at the Staples Centre in LA in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Rowley Regis warrior looked like he may be capable of pulling off a shock win to bring the belts back to the Black Country before Hurd landed a fight-ending body shot in the fourth.

It had been Welborn’s best round before the stoppage as he backed Hurd against the ropes and began to offload on his American opponent.

However, two low blows put Welborn on the back foot momentarily before a ruthless sweeping right to the body ended the contest.

Welborn, who vacated the British the British middleweight title and dropped down in weight for the clash, started brightly and was keen to get on the front-foot.

Hurd answered in the second as he began snapping in his long, left jab to keep Welborn at range.

The third was still evenly matched but it was again Welborn who ended the stronger as he looked to take his big opportunity.

He continued that in the fourth before Hurd found a way past the brave Black Country battler, who will have done his reputation no harm at all after such a spirited showing on his US debut.