Walsh steps up to claim notable win

Cromer's Liam Walsh has emerged triumphant after his biggest test yet in the boxing ring.

The highly-rated 24-year-old was a 60-55 points winner over his first overseas opponent, Frenchman Sebastien Cornu, at promoter Frank Warren's prestigious annual charity show in London's Mayfair.

Trainer Graham Everett was delighted to see Walsh take on a fight which will stand him in good stead when he steps up to championship level.

'He was tough and durable and he came to win,' said Everett.

'It's opponents like this who really do teach you how tough the professional game is.

'I am absolutely delighted that Liam got six lively rounds under his belt and he will be a far better fighter for this.

'Cornu was game and dangerous all the way through the contest. Although Liam had him in trouble on three or four occasions, the Frenchman always fought back hard.'

Victory has taken Walsh's record to nine consecutive wins, seven inside the distance, since his debut fight in February, 2008 – a record that won him the Southern Area Boxing Council Prospect of the Year award in the summer.

The headline fight at the show – which raises money for the charity DebRA, saw Tony Bellew climb off the floor to beat Bob Ajisafe on a unanimous points decision in his first defence of thes Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown.

Paul Appleby scored his second successive stoppage win, halting an out-classed Mickey Coveney in the fourth round, while prospect George Michael Carman recorded his third victory with a 39-38 decision over Andrew Patterson.