KID GALAHAD won the featherweight world title after a brutal defeat of Jazza Dickens.
The 31-year old was defeated by Josh Warrington in 2019, but the Leeds icon vacated it in January. Galahad and his Liverpool foe were left to fight for the vacant red-and-gold strap in Eddie Hearn’s back yard.
Kid Galahad is now the IBF featherweight champion
The Dominic Ingle-trained switch-hitter sliced and slashed at the brave Scouser until his corner saved him just before the 12th round began.
In 2013, Sheffielder Galahad required ten rounds to stop the 30 year-old. He needed three minutes more to break Dickens' nose, and to slash a seeping scarlet over his eye.
Galahad, who won the gold medal after 18 months of waiting, said that he was thrilled to have finally achieved it. He is a full-time worker, with no down time or days off. I am overwhelmed.
"I have been out for 18 months and have just smashed a future champion from pillar-to-post.
"I was 15 when I moved to my parents' house. There were five other boxers and rats living in the flat. Now, I'm a world champion and can afford to buy my mom a nice home."
NEW...
Galahad looked desperate and had reached the 9th limit during the media events of the week.
It was therefore no surprise that Dickens got off to a brighter start, scoring a string left backhands in the opener.
Galahad tried to persuade Dickens to change his orthodox stance, but the Liverpool man was more savvy to this old trick.
Tony Bellew, a fellow Scouser, was at ringside giving advice and encouragement to his neighbor. A left uppercut had the retired Bomber roaring towards the end of the second.
Galahad made his way back to the contest in the third round, but was stopped by a fourth round lefthook that stiffened his legs.
The sixth Dickens' nose was broken and oozing blood. Galahad was getting settled into the fight and pacing for the last stretch.
The session ended with Dickens taking the seventh spot with a stunning three-punch combination. Galahad had two uppercuts, and one left hand. Dickens was defying his broken nose by delivering precision punches when it really mattered.
Between eight and nine Dickens were fading. His breathing and eyesight were hampered by the Galahad-tagging nose.
Both men scored crisp one-twos in tenth, and Dickens' support wooped when he landed a pinpoint right hand to Galahad’s tough chin.
The referee then docked Galahad for repeatedly stepping on Dickens’ lead foot. This could have been potentially life-changing.
Galahad took the penalty to another level, and in the eleventh he punished Dickens. His white shorts and gloves were bright pink with the spurting blood from his wounded prey.
Dickens' side couldn't send their man out for further harm, and withdrew them with a wise show of compassion over pride
