Ahmet Patterson claims IBF belt with win over Ryan Ashton

Ahmet Patterson claimed the vacant IBF International super-welterweight championship with a fine sixth-round stoppage of Ryan Aston at York Hall on Friday night.

A cagey start eventually saw Patterson assert his authority at the start of the third round with a big right-hand, although Ashton responded well and replied with one of his own as both fighters pushed forward.

A powerful headshot then had Ashton against the ropes in the fourth and despite more spirited resistance, Patterson seized the moment with more powerful punching and dropped his opponent with a brutal right hook in the fifth.

Bloodied but unbowed, back came Ashton in the sixth only to be floored again and although he got to his feet, a three-punch combination dropped him for the final time in the neutral corner, prompting the referee to wave the fight off.

"I'll fight anyone, I've shown everybody tonight what I'm all about. I know I've got what it takes to beat the best and I'm certain that I'll be claiming my own world title some day." said Patterson.