THURROCK can boast having a British champion after the success of local fighter Harvey Smith in Cardiff on Friday night (2 October).

Harvey, from Tilbury, has only been a professional for around 24 months and has had just nine professional fights.

Harvey Smith with his British and Commonwealth belts.

In that time the boxer who carries the nickname 'King of Sting', has challenged for a WBC Youth title, travelled to Scotland and won the Commonwealth title, and Friday travelled away again to Cardiff and won the British Bantamweight Title against Joshua John.

He took the title on points after a gruelling, hard-fought 12 rounds.

He has achieved all of this without a major promoter behind him, coming through the small-hall circuit and building a strong local following.