Bermondsey’s Ted Cheeseman emotional after winning IBF International title

Ted Cheeseman is the new IBF International super-welterweight champion after a narrow unanimous points win over Sam Eggington.

The Bermondsey fighter, 24, was involved in a gruelling 12-rounder at Matchroom’s HQ in Brentwood Essex.

But two judges gave the bout to Cheeseman by scores of 116-113 with the other scoring it 115-114.

It means the South Londoner ended a 22-month wait for a victory. During that period he had come up short in a European title challenge, lost his British belt and revealed he was battling a gambling addiction.

Cheeseman was emotional in his post-fight press conference. He said: “I’ve seen fighters lose sometimes, go back to the changing room and they don’t care. Everyone can see that every time I lose I’m very upset and cry my eyes out.

“I stormed out the ring after Conway and Fitzgerald. I’m a winner and I gave my heart and soul to the sport. I’ve come through my problems and I felt I deserved a bit of luck last year and I never got it.

“I stayed determined and pushed on. It was a tough fight again, I never came back with no warm-up. Sam is a great fighter and has had a lot of tough fights. A lot of people thought I was going to win but a lot of people were doubting me.

“I know I can box and fight. It was about morale and confidence. I haven’t had a win for nearly two years – you need the confidence.

“I had a great camp and I was light on my feet. There was no pressure on me, it helped there was no crowd and I could communicate with Tony [Sims, trainer].

“I know I made a few mistakes but I boxed really well considering I came off two defeats and a draw.

“This was my last chance. If I’d lost tonight then I would have retired. But now I’m IBF International champion – I could cry my eyes out with happiness.”

PICTURES BY MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM BOXING