Telford boxer Kirk Stevens lands Midlands title

Telford boxer Kirk Stevens is celebrating after being crowned a Midlands Area champion once again, writes Paul Webb.

The 36-year-old beat Dylan Cheema in a small hall classic at the Mercure Hotel in Northampton to pick up the vacant super lightweight belt.

In his first fight since a loss to the impressive Steven Cairns, Stevens knew this was a must-win, and he looked confident making his way to the ring.

Cheema, at 29, was boxing for the first time over the 10-round distance and had a huge amount of support from Coventry, who came anticipating an exciting main event, and the two men delivered and then some.

It was the younger man who made the better start, landing some spiteful body shots as Stevens looked to counter with the left hand.

The rounds flew by at a breathless pace, with both boxers having plenty of success. The fight took a dramatic turn in the eighth round with a sickening head clash that saw a wide cut open over Cheema's eye.

Cheema fought on bravely with the blood running down his face, but Stevens sensed an opportunity to take over the fight and was dominant down the stretch, closing out the rounds with more of those heavy southpaw left hands.

Referee Ryan Churchill scored the bout 97-93 for Stevens, and despite a smattering of frustration from Cheema's fans, he acknowledged it was the right decision.

“It was a close fight," said Cheema. "But I do think Kirk did enough in the end.

"I was doing well till the clash of heads, but I live to fight another day."

"A thrilled Stevens added, "I want to see how far I can go. I've had three Midlands title fights now, and all I want to do is secure a good future for my family.”