Takeley boxer John Hedges knocks out Erdogan Kadrija on Matchroom Boxing’s NXTGEN undercard at The O2

John Hedges was thrilled to win his first cruiserweight contest by technical knockout after 10 months out of the ring on Saturday night (February 10).

The Takeley fighter, 21, sent his German opponent Erdogan Kadrija to the canvas towards the end of the second of eight scheduled rounds at The O2 in London.

Hedges, who went to Forest Hall School in Stansted, made his long-awaited return to competitive action following a hand operation on Matchroom Boxing’s NXTGEN undercard.

And the 6ft 6in southpaw, who is part of promoter Eddie Hearn’s stable, was pleased to get the better of a fighter who had won 20 of his 25 bouts and amassed 12 KOs.

“This was meant to be a hard eight-round fight against a durable opponent,” said Hedges, who has now won nine out of nine fights in the professional ranks.

“I went into the fight knowing he’d had more knockouts than I’d had fights, but I stayed calm, picked my shots correctly and caught him with a swift, curling backhand in the second round.

“It was my first fight at cruiserweight and I believe I showed it’s a division I’m going to be strong in. After 10 months out of the ring I was happy to know I hadn’t gained any ring rust.

“My next fight should be a title fight and moving into 10 rounds, so I’m not hanging around.”