Saturday 24 March 2018 21:51, UK
Callum Johnson produced the performance of his life to rip the British title away from Frank Buglioni with a dramatic first-round stoppage victory at The O2.
Johnson, still unbeaten, came into the light-heavyweight duel following a frustrating and inactive period, but he showed no signs of ring rust and went on the offensive from the off.
The current Commonwealth champion, now with the Lonsdale belt around his waist, relentlessly clubbed away with punishing hooks, not allowing Buglioni a second to work his way into the contest.
The shocked Londoner, known for his granite chin, staggered back after a crunching left hook and 'Wise Guy' soon had to take a knee after wilting into the corner.
Johnson, who tragically lost his father early in 2016, seized the opportunity and hunted down the unsteady champion from there and, with Buglioni taking hammering blows to the head, the referee mercifully waved off the contest.
"I want to keep proving my dad right and the doubters wrong," the emotional new champion said. "I owe everything I've done in my life to my dad.
"I thought it could be that quick but, honestly, probably not that quick. I can knock any light-heavyweight out in the world, I'm not saying I'm the best but I can stop anyone.
"I've had hard times, but I've stuck at it. I just want to stay active, I'm not getting any younger, I want to leave a mark."
A devastated Buglioni added: "We knew he was dangerous. Fair play to him, he jumped on me and finished things off.
"I'd love to get the rematch and set the record straight. Credit to him, he has come through a tough time and done well."
