Boxer Sam Noakes has won the vacant British lightweight title with a ruthless stoppage victory - and now holds four belts.

Noakes, from Maidstone, proved in a different class to fellow unbeaten opponent Lewis Sylvester at the Copper Box Arena in London.

He put his man down twice in the third round and again in the fourth, with the Yorkshireman’s corner throwing in the towel.

Victory saw Noakes add the British and WBO International titles to his Commonwealth and WBC International Silver crowns.

He extends his perfect record to 13-0 – all by stoppage.

Noakes, 26, has had his eye on becoming British champion ever since turning professional more than four years ago.

“It’s been such a good ride,” he told TNT Sports.

“I’ve got a good team behind me.

“Every person I’ve seen in a boxing ring, from my amateur days to now, has all been leading to this.

“I’m just going to enjoy it. This is a big night for me.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I turned pro.”

Noakes’ manager Francis Warren described Sylvester as a “fantastic warrior, a true braveheart of a guy”.

But it was the Maidstone man’s night and, as British champion, his career looks set to go from strength to strength.

“Sam was phenomenal, absolutely brilliant, like he’s been every single fight night of his career,” said Warren.

“The world’s his oyster. I think 12 months from now we’re going to have a very good fight night for Sam Noakes and the journey between now and then is going to be very exciting.”