Former professional footballer Curtis Woodhouse won the British light-welterweight title in a thrilling win over defending champion Darren Hamilton - before confirming his retirement.
The 33-year-old ex-Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder beat Hamilton on a split decision at the Hull Ice Arena.
"I want to bow out as a champion," Woodhouse told Sky Sports.
Also on the card, Olympic champion Luke Campbell stopped Scott Moises.
Hull fighter Campbell, 26, who took bantamweight gold at London 2012, has now won his five professional bouts after stopping Moises in the eighth and final round.
Home favourite Woodhouse, who quit full-time football in 2006 to become a fighter, went into his bout as an underdog against Bristol-born Hamilton.
Curtis Woodhouse“There is a rumour going around that I had a £5,000 bet on myself to win the British title at 50-1”
But, in a close contest, Woodhouse grew in belief as his jab caused the defending champion, who was bidding for a third successful title defence, problems.
Woodhouse improved his record to 22 wins from 28 fights as he lifted the Lonsdale belt.
"There is a rumour going around that I had a £5,000 bet on myself to win the British title at 50-1," said Woodhouse. "I can neither confirm or deny these rumours but the drinks are on me.
"I have fought some really good guys but that was the hardest fight of my life."
Also on the card in Hull, Gavin McDonnell won the British super-bantamweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood.
McDonnell, 27, was trailing on the scorecards but turned the fight in his favour with a sixth-round onslaught that forced the referee to intervene.
Both fighters were unbeaten in 11 contests, but McDonnell followed in the footsteps of his twin brother Jamie, a former British champion, to win the vacant title.
Meanwhile at London's York Hall, Romford's Tony Conquest beat Australia's Daniel Ammann to win the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight belt.
The 29-year-old won a unanimous decision and hopes the win will lead him to a bout against the victor of Jon Lewis-Dickinson and Neil Dawson's British title fight in March.
We would like to thank everyone that has supported Curtis from the start and throughout his career.
He proved his passion, dedication and pure strength last night in the ring.
Darren Hamilton asked what his purpose was, and Curtis replied "I made a promise I intended to keep."
Curtis is a true inspiration and proof of never giving up on your dreams!
He proved his passion, dedication and pure strength last night in the ring.
Darren Hamilton asked what his purpose was, and Curtis replied "I made a promise I intended to keep."
Curtis is a true inspiration and proof of never giving up on your dreams!
Coldwell Boxing
No comments:
Post a Comment