Devine wins Deakin grudge match

There was no love lost between the pair after Deakin had taken to Twitter to hurl abuse at Devine prior to the event, and his delight with the 40-36 triumph at the final bell, his seventh pro victory, was apparent.

Devine, 23, had weighed in at 9st 8.5lbs for the lightweight bout, with Deakin, on a run of one win from his 46 bouts, half a pound heavier.

A hefty and vocal following from Luton helped turn the atmosphere in an almost football-like one, while Deakin was happy to play the part of the pantomime villain, with one of the longest ring entrances ever seen.

There were few actual shots thrown in the opening moments of the first round, as Deakin was keen to stay out of harms way for the majority of the encounter.

Devine connected with one good body shot, but Deakin returned to his corner, sticking his tongue out at his opponents supporters.

Round two finally saw some serious offence from Devine as he thundered in another body shot, with Deakin, who appeared to prefer concentrating on his posturing than fighting, reduced to just ducking on the ropes trying to avoid the barrage.

The two exchanged words on the bell too, with Devine pulled away by the referee, before round three saw the Lutonian concentrating on his body shots once more until a great right hand rocked Deakin badly.

Sensing a knock out, Devine exploded into action once more as his opponent had to hang on for dear life, glad to hear the bell ring.

The final round saw Deakin once again hang back on the ropes and try a few counter-punching attacks, but he lacked power and although Devine couldnt find a way through, he was the clear winner.

For full reaction from the fight, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale Wednesday.