Boxing: Woodhall finally on top of the world

Richie Woodhall's years of frustration melted away at the Telford Ice Rink last night as he claimed the World Boxing Council super middleweight championship of the world.

Woodhall outpointed champion Thulane "Sugarboy'' Malinga 118-110, 117- 111, 118-109 to erase the memory of his previous world title loss at middleweight to the American Keith Holmes 18 months ago.

Woodhall, 29, was not going to make the same mistake as Robin Reid, from whom Malinga claimed the title in December.

He boxed beautifully, repelling the champion's advances with a never ending stream of jabs and thoroughly deserving the verdict which sparked wild and deafening celebrations among his home town fans.

Malinga was naturally awkward, his style has not only accounted for Reid but also Nigel Benn and almost Chris Eubank, but his Indian sign over the Britons was finally shattered.