Australian heavyweight Lucas Browne has defeated Andriy Rudenko at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall to capture the WBA intercontinental title.
Browne has advanced up the world rankings thanks to 18 knockouts in 20 fights but he was made to work by his Ukrainian opponent, who hadn't suffered a loss in 24 outings.
Rudenko shaded the opening rounds before Browne enjoyed a better fifth stanza, but he was beginning to feel the effects of a cut that had opened up earlier in the bout.
The fight lacked the intensity that many expected, but it was turning into an intriguing contest with Rudenko enjoying some success with his superior technical ability.
However, after the fight went the distance, the three judges scored the match in favour of Browne by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 117-112.
Darren Plant
