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Boxing

Eastman claims British title

16/12/2006

Howard Eastman knocked out Richard Williams in the 12th round to claim the vacant British middleweight title last night and put himself back on course for one last crack at a world title.

Eastman was well ahead on the judges' scorecards as the bout looked to be heading the full distance but the 'Battersea Bomber' delivered the telling knockout blow to a weary looking Williams with one minute of the fight remaining.

Williams looked like a man who knew he was behind and came forward in the final round trying to snatch an unlikely victory; however, Eastman was able to counterpunch and continually picked him off, eventually landing a telling right-hand to the jaw of Williams.

Eastman had lost his previous three fights, but these had been against world title contenders, including the incomparable Bernard Hopkins.

The Battersea man showed all his class to outbox Williams today, however.

After the fight Eastman said: "The only difference between me and Richard is I'm more experienced than him. I caught him with a couple of punches but he's very durable and extremely strong."

On his world title aspirations he said: "I have a dream. I want my promoter to put his hand in the hat again and next year I'm going to make it happen for him."

Eastman's record now stands at 41 wins, 35 by knockout and four defeats. The 36-year old will hope that his next title shot comes quickly.

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