Liam Walsh's light-welterweight bout against Michael Frontin - in pictures

Light-welterweight fighter Liam Walsh (who boxes under the name Patrick Liam Walsh) was unbeaten ahead of his fight with Michael Frontin – the ninth professional bout of his career Photograph: Christopher Thomond For The Guardian

Walsh's fight history can be plotted on the posters at the entrance to his father's home gym, and while he is regarded as a local celebrity in Halifax, his first pro fight only came in March 2010, when he was 27 Photograph: Christopher Thomond For The Guardian

In the stone cellar which Walsh's dad, Pat, has turned into a gym. Here father and son work towards their goal of a successful and lucrative future together in boxing Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Training in the basement gym ahead of his fight with Frontin. Walsh is no stranger to violence and in 2004 he was shot after an altercation with the biggest drug dealer in Halifax Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh serves up a helping of his favourite meal, chicken pasta bake, made by his fiancee, Sarah Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh waits with his dad, Pat, for fellow boxer Shazad Hussein, who is also fighting on the undercard. A cold fog surrounds the town after sweeping down from the Pennines Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

The two fighters and their trainer cross the North Bridge and walk to the fight venue Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh looks anxious at the fight weigh-in, although he stepped off the scales 2lbs under the designated weight Photograph: CHRISTOPHER THOMOND for the Guardian

Walsh is in a relaxed mood an hour or so before the fight, checking messages on his phone as the clock counts down Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

The North Bridge Leisure Centre prepares for the evening's bouts, with the bill headlined by the heavyweight Dereck Chisora. Walsh received only 10% of each ticket sale for the night Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Taped up and ready for the gloves to go on Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

There's a big crowd in to watch the fights, and the fans chant 'Walshie, Walshie' as he takes his place in the ring. Hilda Walsh is among the crowd, about to watch her son box for the first time Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh has to focus as he probes for a way through Frontin's defence Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh's face shudders after being caught by a big right from Frontin, but the Halifax man takes the blow and soldiers on Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

A dab of vaseline between rounds is applied after that big right. A swelling rises up over Walsh’s eye Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

The home crowd find their voice as Walsh gets his way back into the fight. Backed by the vociferous support, he begins to turn the bout back in his favour Photograph: Christopher Thomond For The Guardian

Walsh goes on the attack and his opponent begins to lag Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Frontin avoids a right from Walsh but in the eighth and last round, and clearly ahead, Walsh backs him against the ropes. His combinations are withering and hurtful as Frontin buckles Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh's fiancee Sarah shouts her support from ringside, as he edges closer and closer to another victory Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

The end of the fight and Walsh knows he has done enough. Frontin was only saved by the bell in the last despite a valiant effort Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh poses for a photo after the fight with his mother Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Walsh is interviewed by the media after the fight, with his unbeaten record still intact. He says: “It feels like I’ve got a real chance now …” Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian