Sunday 31 July 2016 01:01, UK
Ryan Burnett recorded a unanimous points victory over Cesar Ramirez to maintain his unbeaten record and make the first successful defence of his WBC International title.
The Belfast bantamweight was too sharp for his Mexican opponent on the undercard of Josh Warrington's fight with Patrick Hyland at Leeds' First Direct Arena on Saturday night.
Burnett dictated the pace from the off against Ramirez, who was something of an unknown quantity coming into the fight.
Head movement and feints paid dividends for the current British champion, who regularly landed heavy blows to both the head and body.
Although the Mexican started to have some success from the seventh round onwards, Burnett regained control with a knockdown at the end of the eighth - a pawing right hand sending an unbalanced Ramirez to the floor.
It was an impressive display from the 24-year old, who was glad to get 10 rounds under his belt.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, he said: "It was a tough fight, but I gained a lot of experience in there tonight.
"The level I'm at, I need fights like that against a tough Mexican. I still have more to learn and a few more fights like that and I could be ready for a world title shot.
"At the moment, I'm happy to keep learning and when the time is right, my trainer Adam Booth will know."
