Paul Butler has defeated Stuart Hall on points to win the IBF bantamweight title after a entertaining contest in Newcastle.
The 25-year-old, who was travelling to Hall's backyard to try to maintain his undefeated record, started the fight well by landing a number of combinations against the champion, who began his second world title defence on the back foot.
Hall grew into the fight as the domestic showdown entered the middle rounds, but despite appearing to land the more hurtful blows, Butler was responding with flurries of punches of his own and his greater work-rate impressed the judges at the end of the 12 rounds.
One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favour of Hall, but the two other officials had Butler winning by margins of 117-111 and 115-113 to see the Cheshire fighter become world champion in just his 16th outing.
Darren Plant
