• Light-welterweight

Former footballer Woodhouse realises his British dream

Former Premier League footballer Curtis Woodhouse completed his successful transition to the boxing ring with a split decision victory over Darren Hamilton to win the British light-welterweight title.

Woodhouse confirmed straight after the bout - at the Hull Ice Arena - he would retire with immediate effect and indicated he wanted to "bow out as champion."

The 33-year-old went a full, action-packed 12 rounds with Hamilton and caused the defending champion several problems with his jab.

@woodhousecurtis an honour to coach you champ....yes. CHAMP...YOU....CHAMP!! @MrBobbyRich @GaryLogan68 pic.twitter.com/mKEPOpTqUu

— Adam Booth (@boxingbooth) February 23, 2014

However, Woodhouse - who gave up football in 2006 to pursue his dream of becoming British champion - was handed the belt and even hinted towards an impressive bonus he may or may not have received.

"There is a rumour going around that I had a £5,000 bet on myself to win the British title at 50-1," Woodhouse told Sky Sports. "I can neither confirm or deny these rumours but the drinks are on me.

"I have fought some really good guys but that was the hardest fight of my life.

"When I was 10 years old, they told me I can't be a footballer, everyone laughed at me. When I said I was going to be a professional boxer, everyone laughed at me again. I had the audacity to say I was going to be a British champion, I honestly can't believe this has happened."

"How can I ever top what has happened tonight, this will never get better for me. I wanted to bow out as champion and aim to stick to that."

Also on the card, Gavin McDonnell stopped Leigh Wood in the sixth round to claim the British super-bantamweight title and Olympic champion Luke Campbell also enjoyed a stoppage win over Scott Moises.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd