Callum Johnson (15-0, 10 KO’s) claimed his first professional title by knocking out Namibian visitor Willbeforce Shihepo (23-9, 17 early).
Johnson (12st 6lbs 5oz) found the Namibian (12st 4lbs 8oz) an awkward puzzle to solve, but in the end his superior ability and conditioning showed.
Shihepo—who had a point deducted in the fifth—was hurt to the head and body in the fourth but the African really began to unravel in the seventh when, as well as being floored, he lost another point for holding.
The end came at 2.07 of round nine when a double right hand from Johnson heavily floored an exhausted Shihepo.
Johnson is now the Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion.
Shihepo, 33, beat Isaac Chilemba back in the dark and distant past but, more recently, took Arthur Abraham the distance and has been preparing for 12 round fights for five-years.
It was an horrible fight but a good step up for Lincoln’s Johnson, 31, who, after almost six years as a professional, can finally get ready for take off.
