A CHAMPION was born in the fifth round of a warrior-like battle when Bentham's Tomi Tatham claimed victory in his first title fight.

He knocked his opponent to the canvas four times before the referee was forced to stop the contest - confirming his position as the light-heavyweight International Challenge belt-holder.

Now Tatham has confirmed that a shot at the British title could be on the cards as early-stage talks are underway with Hosea Burton.

The 26-year-old is relishing the chance to become one of the biggest names in British boxing, saying: "If you wait for your opportunity you'll never get it.

"I believe I can win.

"I'm back training and when that call comes I'll be ready."

It proves doors are already opening for Tatham after he demolished the Congolese Eric Mokonzo at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on Saturday, March 19.

Mokonzo started the fight in typically bullish fashion, swinging wildly from the hip - only to be knocked down inside 30 seconds.

"I knew he was a fast starter but I didn't expect what came at me," Tatham said.

"There was a barrage of punches from crazy angles but I dealt with it all.

"I waited until the third round and then I just unleashed the right hand.

"When I dropped him again I thought this was going to be an easy night's work but he got back up and kept coming."

Tatham brought several hundred supporters with him and their chants of 'TNT' rang out around the arena as the bout entered the fifth round.

"I saw him weaken," recollects Tatham, who had already knocked Mokonzo down twice in the fourth with some gut-wrenching body shots.

"But I couldn't switch off because one of his punches would have knocked out a horse."

The Bentham Bomber looked to have put down Mokonzo again but the referee decided he slipped, much to the crowd's confusion.

It did not matter though, because five seconds later Tatham was a title holder when the referee stepped-in the save his opponent from further punishment.

Speaking about what it felt like to win, Tatham said: "It's great - I'm really happy. A lot of people asked if I could really box, well I showed that. I also showed that I have heart and a good chin and that I kept meeting fire with fire.

"I wanted a testing fight and to feel fear as opposed to just feeling comfortable like I have done in the past.

"I got that and I'm ready for the next challenge."

Pictures by Karen Priestly.