GARETH Gardner produced a near punch perfect display last Saturday to claim the Queensbury Boxing League's British light middleweight title on a unanimous decision.
The 28-year-old carpenter, from New Addington, entered the contest off the back of an incredible run of form, during which he had claimed titles in three different weight divisions in the UK's premier boxing league.
It was clear from the opening seconds of his latest title challenge that he would not be denied a fourth title as he set about champion Aaron Lowery with ferocious intent, unleashing vicious combinations that left the judges and the packed arena at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in no doubt who the victor would be.
Talking after the contest, the delighted newly-crowned champion was quick to praise to the former champion and said he had really enjoyed another memorable night in his boxing career.
"Lowery was a lot better than I thought he would be, and I have to give him credit for playing his part in a fantastic fight," said Gardner.
"We'd been working on loads of new things in the gym in the build-up to this fight and I really thought I would be able to stop him with those body shots I was landing in there.
"But, fair play to Aaron, he took everything I gave him and he was a worthy champion."
Looking ahead after what ranks as one of the greatest performances inside the league during its short history, Gardner has set his sights on defending the title and taking on whoever the league wants to give him.
He added: "I think I deserve a rest after Saturday night.
"But I'm looking forward to getting back into the gym over the coming weeks and defending this title against whoever the shows' promoters decide to put in front of me."
Also in action, Gardner's stable mate Steve Orford produced the knockout of the night when he successfully defended his Southern Area cruiserweight title by destroying Brighton-based challenger Mark Smith in the third round of their contest with a brutal left hand.
Orford, making the second defence of his crown, looked in control of the contest during the fight, but had to take a number of spirited shots from the ambitious Smith in an exciting opener.
But when Orford's southpaw straight-left caught Smith in the third round, it was game over as referee Ken Curtis had no option but to halt the contest with Smith's legs doing a funny dance in his own corner.
With both contests due to be televised soon on prominent sports channel British Eurosport, both champions can look forward to seeing their night's work again.
