Karim Guerfi pulled off a sensational victory as he defeated Andoni Gago to become the new European featherweight champion.

The two men met in Marbella on an MGZ Promotions show, with Guerfi (30-5, 9 KOs) defeating Gago (24-4-4, 7 KOs) by way of split decision after a fantastic back and forth battle.

The scores were 115-113 for Gago, and 116-112 and 115-113 for Guerfi.

It sees the Frenchman pull off an incredible achievement, after stepping up two weights following his previous run as European bantamweight champion.

He bounces back from a first round knockout loss to bantamweight power puncher Lee McGregor back in March.

Guerfi said: “Thanks to all of my team, my trainer and my management MTK Global. It is difficult to prepare for a European title fight on just three weeks, but we succeeded and I hope I made the French and Algerian people proud.

“A special mention to my wife who supports me, and another special mention to my father who taught me everything.”