Punching plumber Lloyd wins £8,000

Shropshire boxer Mark Lloyd is today £8,000 richer after securing one of the best victories of his career.

Lloyd, 33, was one of eight fighters competing in the Prizefighter Welterweights tournament, screened live on Sky Sports last night.

See our photo gallery: Mark Lloyd's big fight – in pictures

The plumber from Shifnal was one of the betting underdogs on a thrilling night of knockout bouts at a sold-out York Hall in Bethnal Green, East London.

But Lloyd recorded a shock victory over experienced Steve Conway of Dewsbury in their quarter-final showdown over three, three minute rounds.

Sadly, Lloyd's night ended in disappointment as he then suffered a unanimous points decision defeat in the semi-finals against highly-rated Londoner Ted Bami.

However, Lloyd's profile will have been greatly raised after he showed his character to defeat Conway before putting in a brave effort against Bami, a former European Light-Welterweight champion.

Conway, 31, had previously held the IBO Light-Middleweight Championship and had also fought for the British super-featherweight title.

Backed by a large number of supporters, Lloyd showed his determination by battling back to win after Conway landed more successful punches in the first round.

But Lloyd then had success with his punches to Conway's body and was the aggressor in the third as the Shropshire man showed more desire to win.

Two judges gave Lloyd the decision by a two-round to one margin, while the third judge declared he had won each round.

"I had to put a lot of pressure on him and I knew it would be scrappy but he's a skilful fighter," said Lloyd.

Due to the format, Lloyd only had 30 minutes to recover before he was next in action.

Bami, 30, had stopped Andrew Ferrans inside two minutes in his quarter-final and as a result looked fresher and sharper.

Lloyd struggled in the opening round and only landed one punch but refused to give up and inflicted some damage on his more experienced opponent.

But Bami was just too quick and had too much as he clinched victory, despite a late surge from Lloyd in the closing stages of the third round.

East Londoner Michael Lomax won the whole competition and the £25,000 top prize as he defeated Bami by a split decision verdict in a superb final.

"I knew I was the most talented out there but I just needed a chance to prove how good I can be," said an elated Lomax.

By MALCOLM LEE