The latest boxing news from Hackney

Stoke Newington welterweight Larry Ekundayo had to use all of his boxing skill to outpoint Scotland’s John Thain and become the new IBF European champion.

The win for Ekundayo came in front of a full house at York Hall on Friday on a bill put on by Lee Eaton.

Thain had a height and reach advantage over Ekundayo, which made the Stoke Newington resident have to work hard.

With most of the early rounds close between the two counter-punchers, the closing action saw Ekundayo narrow the distance and force his rival onto the back foot.

Fast combinations from the 36-year-old caught Thain, making contact with the head and body of the Scotsman.

In what was a skilful contest, all three judges awarded the fight in favour of Ekundayo.

It was a fine win for the man known as ‘The Natural’, whose record now reads 14 wins and one loss.

On the same bill, Hackney welterweight Siar Ozgul lost his Southern Area title after being stopped by Mikey Sakyi of Romford.

Ozgul looked on course to retain his title having been on top heading into the 10th and final round at York Hall.

It only takes one punch to change a fight, though, and that again proved true in the closing seconds.

Ozgul walked onto a right hook followed by a left and though he did not go down, he was badly hurt.

Sakyi could sense his rival was in trouble, so went after Ozgul and had the Hackney man up against the ropes.

With just over a minute to go, referee Jeff Hinds stopped the fight with Ozgul suffering his first defeat as a pro.

The 25-year-old will hope for a return to winning ways when he returns to the ring after his first loss in 15 fights as a pro.

* Dalston super bantamweight Frank Arnold was held to a draw by Evesham rival Brett Fidoe at York Hall on a Mickey Helliet show on Saturday.

Arnold dominated the first two rounds with his southpaw right jab and overhand left doing the damage.

However, Fidoe came back into the bout with hard counter-punches as referee Mark Bates scored it 38-38.