EAST End trainer Johnny Eames celebrated a special night after watching Matthew Marsh claim the British super-bantamweight title at York Hall on Friday. Marsh lifted the Londsale belt in only his 11th pro fight with a points victory over Esham Pickering

EAST End trainer Johnny Eames celebrated a "special night" after watching Matthew Marsh claim the British super-bantamweight title at York Hall on Friday.

Marsh lifted the Londsale belt in only his 11th pro fight with a points victory over Esham Pickering at York Hall on Friday.

"I've looked after Matt since he was a schoolboy boxer so his success is something special for me," said TKO gym trainer Eames.

"He is a popular kid and has already had congratulations from top names in boxing, including Ricky Hatton."

Marsh's impressive work rate proved too much for former European and Commonwealth champion Pickering, who fought bravely but was beaten by a determined challenger.

Marsh poured on the punches from the opening bell and had built up a commanding lead by the middle rounds.

The experienced Pickering battled back bravely as Marsh struggled in the middle rounds but the challenger was in no mood to take second place and was ultimately crowned champion with scores of 117-111, 116-113 and 115-113.

"I hit a wall about the sixth or seventh round," Marsh said. "I was told it would happen by my trainer - some fighters come through it, some don't. I did.

"This title means everything to me and I was not going to let it slip. Hopefully this will lead to some big things."

Local prospects George Hillyard, Daniel Herdman and Dwayne Lewis all slammed their way to second-round successes on Friday night's undercard.

Light middleweight Hillyard hammered out a double-quick win over Danny Goode, who had won 12 of his 14 previous bouts.

Goode frequently held as he was shaken by solid attacks and took two counts before referee Ian John Lewis signalled the end - giving Hillyard a fourth straight win.

Ex-Repton amateur Herdman launched a series of body attacks that proved too much for Welsh opponent Russell Pearce.

Herdman, who is trained by TBS coach Tony Sims, recorded a third straight win when his rival retired at the end of the second after taking punishment to the mid-section.

Canning Town fighter Lewis made it four fights unbeaten as a professional after shaking experienced Jamie Ambler with some powerful rights in round two.

Lewis rammed home a flurry of big rights until the referee intervened after 1min 57secs of the second round.