By Elliot Foster
Ted Cheeseman produced the most polished display of his career to date as he scored an early win.
The Bermondsey super-welterweight retained his WBA International title at York Hall, exclusively live on Sky Sports.
Cheeseman dominated proceedings from beginning to end against previously undefeated challenger Pauly Upton at the famous Bethnal Green venue, as part of the latest instalment of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing’s JDNXTGEN series.
He had absolutely no consideration for the power of Upton and Cheeseman turned on the style after cruising through the early rounds.
There was a point off for Upton in the fourth round and that was the beginning of his demise as, later on in that round, the referee Terry O’Connor was forced to issue a count.
Cheeseman hit Upton with a peach of a right uppercut, bang on the base of the chin, which sent him to the canvas.
To his credit, the challenger rose to his feet and continued to fight, but the stronger man overwhelmed him and dropped him twice more before the fight was called off after two minutes and 45 seconds of the fourth.
“I sent out a big statement with that win. I walked through whatever Upton had, showed how strong and big I am and how hard I’m punching,” Cheeseman said afterwards. “Fair play, he came and had a go, but I’m fit, strong and wanted to show my fans that I am ready to go on to bigger and better things.
“I’ve been matched well and put on a good showing. I know I’m ready to be let off the leash and I can get in with anyone now, both domestically and wider.”
Cheeseman, 22, is promoted by the aforementioned Hearn.
And the Essex promoter himself quipped about the class of his man, as well as the potential next step.
“It’s a great time for the division at the moment with it thriving both domestically and on the world scene.
“Ted boxed really well and Anthony Fowler, Scott Fitzgerald and Sam Eggington are all potential opponents for him in the next six-12 and even 18 months, but I’d like to see him fight Michael Zerafa, the Commonwealth champion at the weight, next.”