Sam Maxwell came up with the finish of all finishes to secure his first title.
The 30-year-old Commonwealth Games bronze medallist had to go through hell and high water to win the vacant WBO European super-lightweight title.
Maxwell was forced to the canvas in the opening round, but stopped Sabdi Sediri in the final round of 10 at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.
He seemed to have had a pre-fight stress hangover as he was originally set to face Spain’s Kelvin Dotel before facing a fight week switch to the Frenchman.
‘Super’ Sam – who was taken to hospital in the wake of his win – saw the canvas again in the second round against the heavy-handed, unorthodox puncher who brought an undefeated record to the ring.
It was gruelling throughout and Maxwell walked away with a damaged nose and an injury to his left eye, but he will care not a jot as, with 14 seconds remaining in the fight, he threw a chopping right hand which laid out his foe.
Sediri, to his credit, rose to his feet but staggered into the ropes and left the referee Steve Gray with no choice but to call a halt to the contest.
