Doncaster boxer Conner lands European belt on historic night
History was made on Friday night by Conner Kelsall.
On a Ryan Rhodes' bill at Rotherham's Magna Centre, Kelsall was crowned European flyweight champion after a tight points win over Italy-based southpaw Joel Santos.
One judge saw it as a 114-114 tie, while the others favoured the Conisbrough bar manager, 115-113 and 116-112.
The South Yorkshireman was a quick starter but laboured at times as the fight went the full 12 rounds. The ninth and tenth rounds were concerning for his fans in the venue, who got behind him accordingly. It was only his 14th professional fight and to win a title of such magnitude hints at bigger things ahead.
Father of two Kelsall, 27, was emotional in victory and acknowledged the "good people" who had been around him, who had been steering him to victory.
"We have made history - I am now Denaby and Conisbrough's first European champion.
"It is mad, as a kid and coming through the amateurs I have achieved things that no one has ever achieved. Five back to back ABAs - I thought that was special."
He said he was now delighted to emulate his trainer Jason Cunningham, who had also won a European title. "What else can I do now? Can I do more we will see; it's exciting" he told Boxed In channel.