Craig Poxton sent out a statement of intent to title rival George Jupp with a true No Mercy victory.
The Lowestoft fighter needed a six-round victory on his record to ensure he lines up against Jupp for the Southern Area super-featherweight title next month.
That the fight didn't go the distance is irrelevant – he had bloodied Jack Heath's nose in the opening round and then proceeded to bully his opponent into submission, with a vicious body shot setting up the inevitable introduction of referee Robert Williams two minutes and 34 seconds into round three.
It was enough to set up the York Hall clash with Jupp for a fighter who is enjoying his second stab at the pro ranks – after losing two of his first three fights Poxton was out of the ring for three years, but a fresh start has seen him win seven in a row.
'With six rounds I can settle into my style – four rounds tends to be a bit of a rush, but I am just happy I got the result,' said Poxton. 'They (Heath's camp) were adamant they were going to beat me so he came and tried to beat me and didn't. That sends out a message to George Jupp.'
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