Epsom hard-hitter Brad Halford proved he was a step above fellow title challenger Shaun Walton by claiming the vacant Queensbury Boxing League Southern Area light-welterweight title.

Fighting in front of an army of fans on Saturday night at Epsom Downs Racecourse, the 32-year-old won an unanimous points decision after a thrilling five-round bout.

It has been a meteoric rise to stardom for Halford after only entering the competition in September.

And, after impressing the show’s promoters with his exciting all-action style, Halford is now looking forward to even bigger fights.

He said: “I really enjoyed that fight. I stepped my game up in there and proved myself against a former British title challenger.

“I don’t want to sound big headed, as I have a lot of respect for Walton as a fighter, but he did not surprise me with anything and I handled him well, including getting a knockdown in the third.

“I want to push forward and look at getting the big fights for the big titles and stay undefeated in the league.

“There are still things I need to work on and still improvements to be made in my game.”