Ashley Lane becomes new British Bantamweight champion after stopping Chris Bourke in dominant performance

Ashley Lane has become the new British Bantamweight champion after stopping Chris Bourke in the sixth round at York Hall on Friday night.

Lane recovered from a slow start and a cut above his eye to bounce back to claim the vacant belt in front of a raucous crowd in London.

Bourke was regarded as the slight favourite heading into the bout but he was unable to keep up with Lane and suffered the second defeat of his career.

Bourke looked sharp in the opening two rounds and caused a cut above Lane's right eye, but he started to fade as the fight went on and Lane took advantage.

Lane's corner told him that Bourke had started to tire and 'The Flash' unleashed a flurry of shots in the sixth, and Bourke was pushed onto the canvas and the referee didn't count it as an official knockdown.

Bourke was unable to recover from that moment and Lane went on the offensive before the referee stepped in to end the fight.

"My life has been up and down," Lane told TNT Sports after the fight. "I was homeless, suicidal, no money, nowhere to live... it was brutal.

"Ever since I was 15 and first started boxing, I had interview in Northampton as an amateur and I was asked what were my aspirations and said no-one from Northampton Town has ever won a British title, and I said I'd be the first, that's my target.

"Here I am. I'm the first from Northampton and I'm happy to pave the way for the rest of the lads now."

When reflecting on the achievement, he added: "This night will sit firm in my memory books. It's been on my mind 24/7 for the last few months.

"I've worked day and night... everything for this. It will live in my mind and my heart forever until I die.

"This could be the pinnacle of my career unless I win the European [title] against someone which might be a new pinnacle of my career. I'm very, very happy."

Before the main event, British heavyweight Moses Itauma delivered a first-round stoppage against Dan Garber to take his record to 8-0.

Light heavyweight Willy Hutchinson also impressed as he only took two rounds to defeat Martin Houben, which included a brutal knockdown.

"I'm back and I'm on form and ready for bigger and better," he told TNT Sports after the fight.

"I'll fight anyone. I want those big names, I want the Yardes, I want the Buatsis, I want Dan Azeez and when I beat those guys there I want the world titles."

Meanwhile, Luke McCormack enjoyed a successful professional debut by stopping Robin Zamora in two rounds, while Sonny Liston Ali also only needed two rounds to defeat Petar Aleksandrov.

Sean Noakes also cruised to an impressive third-round stoppage victory over Marian Wesolowski.

"He's ready for a step up, whether that's an eight-round fight or a title fight we'll see," Warren told TNT Sports.

"Maybe Owen Cooper who fought last week."

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