Devine delight at Southern Area title

The 23-year-old defeated Dan Naylor 97-91 on points at York Hall, as he said: “I was nearly in tears, I was so emotional. There are certain people not here to make it. I knew they were looking over me and that’s what got me back up off the floor.

“Four or five years ago, no-one would say I would be fighting for a Southern Area title, but I’ve changed my life around.”

Devine didn’t have it all his own way as he was knocked down in the first round, but came firing back to put his opponent on the floor in the 10th.

He continued: “No-one can say I haven’t got heart as I’ve been down many a time but every time I’ve got back up.

“I knew when I caught him I’d hurt him. It was a good knock down, it put the icing on the cake really.

The Lutonian went 10 rounds for the first time in his career and on his future plans and the supporters who travelled in their numbers to Bethnal Green, he added: “The fans were absolutely brilliant. They’re the noisiest fans, they gee me up even more and I’m delighted for them

“We’ll pick which route I’m going to take, whether I defend my title or move back up to lightweight. I’ll just get back in the gym and see where it takes me.”

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