Troy Williamson upset the odds and the Leeds crowd to stop Callum Simpson in brilliant fashion and win the British, Commonwealth and European super-middleweight titles.
Simpson was the home hero at the First Direct Bank Arena on Saturday but was on the back foot for much of the fight, struggling to deal with the smaller man’s overhand right hands.
The pressure told in the 10th round as Simpson was repeatedly knocked down and forced to defend the onslaught without a mouthguard.
The referee stopped the contest after the fourth knockdown and a jubilant Williamson claimed Simpson’s belts.
“Nobody believes in me more than myself. This is my weight division and I showed it tonight,” Williamson said.
“This is deep. I carry this piece of paper with me every single day in my car and I read it to myself four or five times a day. I put it in my sock tonight.
“I signed it on 28 October and it says ‘I will become British, Commonwealth and European champion on 20 December. I will knock out Callum Simpson’.
“Tonight, you have got yourself a new champion.”