Noakes defends European title in dominant fashion

Sam Noakes retained his unbeaten grounds and his European lightweight title pinch a regular triumph complete Gianluca Ceglia astatine London’s York Hall.

Noakes, 27, spent 7 rounds methodically breaking down Ceglia, who did not look for nan eighth round.

Body shots had taken their toll connected nan Italian, who besides had swelling supra his correct eye.

"Fights for illustration this are really going to bring maine on," said Noakes. "If nan telephone telephone comes there's a world title conflict adjacent week, I'll return it."

It was Noakes' 15th profession triumph and 14th wrong nan distance, arsenic he becomes conscionable nan 2nd man to extremity Ceglia successful 26 bouts.

After 13 knockouts successful his first 13 contests, Noakes came into nan title disconnected nan backmost of his first points triumph past April.

He invested successful assemblage shots passim nan early rounds, but seldom had nan chance to unload connected his 34-year-old opponent.

But nan shots that did onshore took their toll connected Ceglia, who offered small successful consequence to Noakes' dominance.

Speaking astir nan anticipation of a world title fight, nan Briton's head Francis Warren said they were successful "no rush".

American Gervonta 'Tank' Davis is nan WBA world champion, pinch compatriot Shakur Stevenson nan WBC title holder.

The IBF and WBO belts are held by Ukrainian duo Vasiliy Lomachenko and Denys Berinchyk respectively.