Stuart Hall delighted his hometown fans as he won the Commonwealth bantamweight title with a comprehensive points win over Josh Wale.
The 32-year-old - fighting in Darlington for the first time since turning professional in 2008 - was a clear winner against an opponent eight years his junior.
Many had doubted Lonsdale belt holder Hall's ability to bounce back after he was beaten by Lee Haskins in a failed attempt to land the European strap back in July, but Hall was delighted to prove his critics wrong.
"It was a class performance. The critics say I'm 32 years old, I'm too old. Boom to them. Boom to them," Hall told The Northern Echo.
"That's one of the best. I didn't turn up against Lee Haskins but I turned up tonight. I'm going to turn up every other fight. Every other fight. I had a point to prove tonight, to my critics, about my age, I'm slow and one-dimensional.
"Did you see me there, I'm not slow, I moved about, I don't walk in straight lines. Boom to the critics."
"I expected a tough 12 rounds to be honest, as he's a tough opponent, but I thought he was going to have a bit more of a go. Before the fight I thought he'd be a lot stronger, but he wasn't as strong. Your mind plays tricks before a fight.
"Once I'd found my rhythm I was brilliant, everything went to plan.
"I want a rematch with Jamie McDonnell now, that's the plan. Hopefully he wins a world title and I'll get him again."