Knockout title win for Anto Upton
Anthony Upton won the first professional title of his career this afternoon.
The youngest of the Upton Clan scored an impressive stoppage win over the highly-rated Luke Paddock in Wallsall to claim the vacant English light welterweight belt.
Belfast-raised Upton challenged for the belt last December against Joe Hughes, losing a decision, but was not to be denied today at the Cannock Leisure Centre.
A cagey and tactical bout between two long counter punchers, it was nip and tuck throughout, with Upton perhaps edging proceedings. The 24 year old however took the decision out of the judges’s hands in the ninth round with a huge left hook that downed Paddock. Cool Hand Luke rose but was on wobbly legs and the bout was waved off to kick off jubilant scenes for the large travelling support.
The win sees Upton improve his record to 13(5)-1(0), while Paddock drops to 14(1)-2(1).