Chris Eubank Jr has won the vacant IBO world super-middleweight title with a points victory over James DeGale in London.
While Eubank, 29, from Hove, was celebrating his win, 33-year-old DeGale, a 2008 Olympic gold medallist from London, was left considering whether to retire.
Eubank won unanimously with the judges scoring the fight at the O2 Arena 114-112, 115-112 and 117-109.
He now hopes to challenge for other world titles in the same weight division.
Eubank’s triumph came a year after his defeat to George Groves in the World Boxing Super Series semi-finals. His only defeat came against Billy Joe Saunders in 2014.
Some had questioned Eubank’s ability and hunger but, with DeGale taking two counts over the 12 rounds, he answered his critics in style.
After the fight, Eubank said: “I’m back on top. I proved the doubters wrong.
“This is one of those fights which puts me in a position to challenge for world titles now and I’m very happy.
“There was massive pressure. We were both on the edge of this cliff and someone was going to fall and whoever falls can’t come back. I’m still here now. Onwards and upwards.
“He’s a difficult fighter but I thought I dominated the entire fight.”
