Unbeaten Takeley boxer John Hedges wins his first professional title belt at London’s Copper Box Arena
John Hedges says victory in his first professional title fight at the weekend was a “huge stepping stone” as he sets his sight on international success.
The 22-year-old Takeley boxer secured the Southern Area cruiserweight crown at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday (July 6).
Hedges, who now has a 100% win record from 10 bouts since joining the pro ranks, beat fellow undefeated fighter Lewis Oakford after a sixth-round stoppage in the 10-round contest following a clash of heads.
The technical decision (TD), which is usually called after an accidental clash of heads where one or both opponents cannot continue, meant the result was decided on the judges’ scoring up to that point, which was unanimously in Hedges’ favour.
The 6ft 6in southpaw, who went to Forest Hall School in Stansted, was pleased with his performance in the bout, which was screened live on DAZN.
“From the first round I dominated and had him nearly out of there in the third,” Hedges told the Indie. “I saw him start to fatigue and wobble under the pressure of my shots. I felt the fight was definitely going my way.
“The plan was always to start quick, get ahead, ease off in the middle rounds and then KO in the later rounds.
“However, he was coming head first into every exchange, which eventually caused the clash of heads in the beginning of the sixth round.
“I definitely believe this is the start of the big fights. It’s a huge stepping stone for me as I’m now a champion and can hold that forever, but now I’m in a position to start picking up international titles.”
Hedges’ bout was on the undercard of Matchroom Boxing’s Johnny Fisher versus Alen Babic heavyweight fight at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park venue which saw the 25-year-old Briton, nicknamed The Romford Bull, barely break sweat as he stopped his Croatian opponent after just 36 seconds with a right hook that followed a barrage of powerful punches. Fisher has now won all 12 of his professional fights, 11 inside the distance.
Pictures courtesy of Matchroom Boxing
