Noakes defends European title in dominant fashion

Sam Noakes retained his unbeaten record and his European lightweight title with a routine win over Gianluca Ceglia at London’s York Hall.

Noakes, 27, spent seven rounds methodically breaking down Ceglia, who did not emerge for the eighth round.

Body shots had taken their toll on the Italian, who also had swelling above his right eye.

"Fights like this are really going to bring me on," said Noakes. "If the phone call comes there's a world title fight next week, I'll take it."

It was Noakes' 15th career win and 14th inside the distance, as he becomes just the second man to stop Ceglia in 26 bouts.

After 13 knockouts in his first 13 contests, Noakes came into the contest off the back of his first points win last April.

He invested in body shots throughout the early rounds, but rarely had the chance to unload on his 34-year-old opponent.

But the shots that did land took their toll on Ceglia, who offered little in response to Noakes' dominance.

Speaking about the possibility of a world title fight, the Briton's manager Francis Warren said they were in "no rush".

American Gervonta 'Tank' Davis is the WBA world champion, with compatriot Shakur Stevenson the WBC title holder.

The IBF and WBO belts are held by Ukrainian duo Vasiliy Lomachenko and Denys Berinchyk respectively.