THE Golden Boy shone on Sunday in a top night of kickboxing in Stevenage. Home fighter Nick Gill won the European WKU welterweight title (67kgs) against a Portugese opponent in the finale of the night. More than 500 fans packed into the arts and leisure c

THE Golden Boy shone on Sunday in a top night of kickboxing in Stevenage.

Home fighter Nick Gill won the European WKU welterweight title (67kgs) against a Portugese opponent in the finale of the night.

More than 500 fans packed into the arts and leisure centre for 14 contests, six including fighters from local club TS Kickboxing.

It was the second time the venue had hosted kickboxing after the inaugural show back in October.

Gill, known as The Golden Boy, was far too strong for Luis Nunes from Portugal in his 10 two-minute rounds contest.

Their respective national anthems lasted longer than the actual fight as Nunes threw in the towel after just 72 seconds.

Nunes took a standing count and seemingly refused to carry on, much to the obvious disgust of his corner.

Sukhy 'The Secret' Shoria was involved in a dramatic 68kgs maximum prestige contest against Rob 'Diesel' Stevens (BMAC) over seven two-minute rounds.

Shoria emerged the unanimous winner on points despite spirited resistance from the Brummie fighter.

'Diesel' was knocked down near the end of the first round but recovered to ensure Shoria took a standing count in round two after being floored although his corner claimed it was a slip.

Stevens took a standing count of his own in the fourth before a high energy last round nearly brought the house down.

This followed Andy Pollard retaining his Southern Area title at 78.5kgs.

The champion was up against Nigel Thomas from the Storm Gym in Luton.

Thomas gained in stature as the fight progressed before a stupendous fifth and final round ended with a unanimous points win for Pollard.

Three full contact fights were in the first half of the evening.

Dean Allen was first on against DB Kickboxing's Trevor Sitton (80/82kgs) but his opponent recorded a unanimous win on points.

The first of the two international bouts of the evening was also the only ladies' contest on the show.

Stacey Parker took a majority points win against her opponent from Norway, Grete Helle, at 64kgs.

This was later declared as the non-title fight of the night.

The third of the home trio was Matt Offord who was up against Matt Gilbert (TKO Kickboxing).

Offord survived a rocky second round before staging a recovery in the third and final round. Gilbert still took the majority decision though.

Co-promoter Trevor Spencer, who already has plans for the next show in October, said: "The other clubs really supported the event which made for a cracking atmosphere.

"Nick's opponent has had more wins than Nick has had fights, so it was disappointing outcome. It was an excellent night though despite this."

Thanks were given out to Gill's sponsors, Admiral Solutions and Support, plus all the other sponsors, spectators and the staff at the arts and leisure centre.