BOXING out of Chard, Somerset, Paul Roberts has been crowned the new Southern Area Flyweight Champion.

Fighting last week at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London, Roberts won his fight over Harry Mullins to claim the title.

It was a dominant display from Roberts as he looked on top for the majority of the bout, knocking Mullins down in the seventh round.

The judges scored the bout clearly in Roberts' favour and rightfully so he left London as the first Southern Area Flyweight Champion in 24 years.

It was somewhat of an upset as Mullins had won sixfrom six professional fights and had quickly gained a reputation as a gifted and talented boxer.

That was until he met the boy from Chard.

Chard & Ilminster News: Paul Roberts with the belt.Paul Roberts with the belt. (Image: Contributed)

Roberts said after the fight he felt comfortable during the bout and he is so proud of the achievement.

"I am feeling so good after that, I came into this fight as the underdog, away in London but none of that mattered really. 

"I managed to produce my best fight to date, I am so happy with that."

Roberts added he expected to be the stronger boxer in the fight.

"If I am honest, I expected to go in there the stronger fighter, but I thought he was going to be very slick, which he was, but I was the better man on the night.

"I felt so dominant through the whole thing and really I enjoyed myself, had a good time.

"To be fair, I don't remember feeling in trouble at any point."

He said that he was so comfortable partly due to a very strong training camp.

"My training camp this time round was the best, everything went to plan.

"I did a lot of sparring and tactic work so I think that really paid off come fight night."

For this fight, Roberts dropped down from Super Flyweight to Flyweight, he said it was an easy transition.

"I have brought strength and power from Bantamweight all the way down to Flyweight and it was an easy transition for this fight.

Chard & Ilminster News: Roberts lands a jab.Roberts lands a jab. (Image: Contributed)

"Hopefully now I can fluctuate between the two divisions."

Roberts thanked the promoters and his sponsors for their support throughout.

"Thanks so much to Harry Mullins for the opportunity, and Mark Neilson and Warren Boxing Management. I hope to come back on their cards soon.

"Also to my sponsors, without you I wouldn't be able to do this, so thankyou."

Finally, looking forward, Roberts is ready to take his career to the next level.

"I am really proud, I have worked so hard and now is my time.

"I really do hope this is lift off for me, I have big goals but I am not going to just geo out there for anything.

I have had some knockbacks in my career but this is a big motivator to push on to the next stage. I can't wait."