Sexton is the Prizefighter Heavyweights 2 Champion - 12/09/2008

SAM Sexton has won the Prizefighter Series Heavyweights 2 event.

Sexton, a former England amateur England international, secured a stoppage victory over Chris Burton in a breathtaking final at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

Norwich-based Sexton had earlier defeated Pele Reid and Luke Simpkin before referee Mickey Vann stopped the final after two minutes and ten seconds of the third round.

“This means the world to me,” said Sexton, who collected £25,000 for his achievement and had been cheered on by a hardcore band of supporters who had made the long journey from Norfolk.

“I came here to win it and I believed I could so I went out there and did what I set out to do. I’ve trained really hard for this and it has paid off on the night. It feels fantastic.

“I took this tournament really seriously and everything in the gym had been going perfectly and I felt brilliant.

This win will be fantastic for my career, it’s a big achievement to win this and it will open a lot of doors for me.

“Winning this is by far my top moment in boxing. I’ve represented England and that was fantastic boxing for my country but this is something completely different.

I don’t think I’m far off a British title shot now and I will see what I get offered. Hopefully I will be boxing for the British title as soon as possible.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to (event promoters) Matchroom for giving me this opportunity and it was a fantastic show in a fantastic arena.”

Burton, the pre-tournament favourite and the only undefeated fighter at the start of the evening, claimed a hard-fought victory against David Ingleby in the opening round before seeing off Lee Swaby in the semi-final.

Home hope David Ferguson saw his night end in disappointment as he suffered a shock and controversial split decision defeat against Simpkin in his first fight.

Each contest lasted a maximum of three, three-minute rounds with Swaby defeating Darren Morgan in the other first round encounter.

PartyCasino.com Prizefighter Heavyweights 2

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle

Round One
Sam Sexton bt Pele Reid – Pts Unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Luke Simpkin bt David Ferguson – Pts split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
David Burton bt David Ingleby – Pts unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lee Swaby bt Darren Morgan – Pts unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Semi-finals
Sam Sexton bt Luke Simpkin – Pts unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
David Burton bt Lee Swavy – Pts unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Final
Sam Sexton bt David Burton – RSF R3

Pre-event
The PartyCasino.com Prizefighter Series Heavyweights 2 event promises to be one of the boxing shows of the year with knockouts and heavy punches galore.

Staged at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, the tournament could catapult any of the boxers into the big-time.

The competitors are Chris Burton, David Ferguson, David Ingleby, Darren Morgan, Pele Reid, Sam Sexton, Luke Simpkin and Lee Swaby with seven fights, each a maximum of three rounds, separating them from glory.

With the help of the Royal Marines, the Prizefighter trophy made a spectacular entrance into Newcastle as it was transported down the River Tyne for a Sky Sports publicity shoot.