Charlie Hickford produced a dominant display to clinch a win on his professional boxing debut at York Hall.

Hickford’s brave opponent Jake Pollard (1-56) stepped in at just a couple of days’ notice to fight and the Yorkshireman hit the canvass on several occasions, managing to hang on to make the final bell as Hickford clinched a 40-35 points win.

Cliffe featherweight Hickford, 21, knows he has things to work on but was pleased to come through his debut fight with Queensberry promotions unscathed.

“I came out looking as good as when I went in, so I can’t complain!” he said, following his fight that was broadcast live on TNT Sports.

“I got the rounds done, showed what I am about and it is only going to get bigger and better, so onto the next one.”

Hickford had big support at York Hall and looked like he wanted to make an instant impact, throwing plenty of shots in a lively debut.

Pollard was a replacement fighter and he showed plenty of resilience. He had only been stopped four times previously among his many defeats but received a standing eight count as he went down at the end of the second round.

Pollard was down again briefly at the start of the third, and again in the fourth. He was unsteady late on and was grateful to hear the final bell after a punishing night against the Medway boxer.

“There was nothing coming back, a totally dominant display from Hickford,” said ringside commentator Richie Woodhall.

“He did his job and survived,” said the victor Hickford, of his opponent.

“It’s frustrating of course when they are not throwing and just surviving but we will go away to the gym, work on picking shots, and settling down, rather than looking good. There is a time and a place for it and a time and a place for hurting them and sitting on your shots, that will come.

“I am pleased with it and I enjoyed myself. I am looking forward to the future now. This is the beginning of my journey and I am going to the top so I need to get used to these nights!”

Hickford will hope to be out again early in the new year, and added: “I came out with no marks, no cuts. I’ll be waiting for the call.”