Daniel Dubois beat Fabio Wardley by stoppage to become WBO world heavyweight champion in an incredible 11-round epic at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Defending champion Wardley started the fight at pace with two knockdowns in the first three rounds - including his first in the opening 10 seconds of the bout - but Dubois' power was too much for Wardley as his dangerous right hook caused serious damage to his blood-covered opponent.
Dubois came close to a stoppage victory in the sixth round, leaving Wardley reeling on the ropes, but he sealed the deal in the 11th when a flurry of late punches forced referee Howard Foster to wave off the bout.
"It was a war," Dubois said afterwards. "We came through the sticky moments. Thank you Fabio for that, thank you.
"What a great fight, what a great battle, man."
He continued: "We move on now. I want to grow from this fight, improve and go on and reign as champion again."
He finished by roaring: "Are you not entertained? What a fight, what a warrior, thank you!"
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed afterwards there was a rematch clause in the fight contract.
"These two guys showed such heart. Great heart. Chins. It was an amazing fight," Warren said. "Absorbing. It had everything, exciting. The best heavyweight fight I've ever put on."