Last night at a packed York Hall, Bethnall Green, London, England, Jon Thaxton challenged Yuri Romanov for the European Lightweight title in a Hennessy Sports promoted fight night.

Thaxton, of Norwich, England, has not lost a fight since 2002 and is the current lightweight champion of Great Britain. He looked mean as he made his way to the ring ahead of the Champion.

Romanov, of Belerus, looked relaxed as he prepared to defend his title for the third time.

Round one and in the first thirty seconds Thaxton takes a solid left hook from the Belarusian, then takes a barrage of punches mid-way through the round which sees him under pressure from the champion, but he takes them well. Itʼs not been a good round for Thaxton, Romanov looks far more relaxed whereas Thaxton has struggled to settle-in.

In the closing minute of round two, Thaxton takes a good left hook followed by a number of punches as Romanov backs Thaxton against the ropes. Thaxton looks in real danger from some hurtful punches but manages to get out of the situation and stand up to the champion. Itʼs been another tough round for Thaxton.

Blood flows from Thaxtonʼs nose during round three and the stronger punching Romanov continues to dominate.

Round four and Thaxton sustains a cut to the right eye which pours blood down his cheek and he is obviously distracted by it. Cheers cry out in the closing seconds as Thaxton lands a left punch to the face of the champion, which causes his head to rock back.

But itʼs clear that Thaxton's cut is a terrible one - a gaping cut just below the right brow and as he returns to his corner at the end of the fourth frame, Dominic Ingle tells him he is not going to let him continue.

Italian Referee, Massimo Barrovecchio, calls a halt to the contest .

Afterward, Thaxton admitted to Sky Presenter - Ed Robinson, that it takes him a few rounds to get in to a fight, but said that Romanov was strong. Dominic Ingle said that the cut was deep and gaping and as a result - he would have been stopped at some point during the contest so there was no point allowing it to get worse.

Romanov retains his title by fifth round stoppage and improves to 21-2 (14) while Thaxton drops to 33-8 (18).

Click to read more boxing articles by Jane Warburton

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