Ben Vaughan (10-1) and Ekow Essuman (21-1) served up a fight of the year contender at the BP Pulse Live Arena in Birmingham, which saw the champion from Nottingham retain his title in a ten-round war that could easily have gone either way.
BCB managed Vaughan from Northampton trains at the Shoe-box gym in the town and was coming in to his first televised contest brimming with confidence after back-to-back first round knockouts, winning the Midlands title in the process.
The pace was utterly ferocious from both men from the opening bell, with shots being traded at close quarters. A clash of heads in round two saw Vaughan pick up a cut over his right eye, which caused heavy swelling throughout the contest.
Ekow, who is ten years Vaughans senior at thirty five, was finding home with his right hand up close and soaked up the huge volume of punches coming his direction. The fourth round was a classic back and forth of three minutes of real quality, with referee Howard Foster rarely having to get in between the two as they exchanged bombs.
At the halfway stage, you would excuse the pair for taking a breather, but with the white shorts of Essuman stained a deep red, they continued to work away, with both having periods of success. Vaughan was hurt in round seven, and the ringside doctor was called to assess the now almost closed eye, but he was rightfully allowed to continue and somehow summoned the energy, implored on by coach James Conway to finish the fight strongly.
Marcus McDonnell was unable to split them 95-95 but was overruled by fellow judges Terry O'Connor 97-93 and Lee Every 97-94, who saw it to Essuman, who keeps hold of his WBO European title, calling out world champ Jaron Ennis in his post fight interview.
Most people ringside and watching at home will want to see that one again.
Image @queensberrypromotions
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