Promoter Joe Elfidh backed Grant Dennis for a Southern Area title shot after his latest victory.

Dennis climbed off the canvas following a second-round knockdown to win the international challenge middleweight belt at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

The Chatham boxer was awarded a 78-73 points decision over Czech opponent Jan Balog for the sixth straight win of his professional career.

Elfidh believes Dennis is ready to push on after adding the international title to the British challenge crown secured last November.

He said: “When I look at Grant, he’s capable of winning Southern Area.

“The kid he boxed on Saturday was a top-class amateur, we knew that and that’s what we wanted. We didn’t want a bum.

“I wasn’t sure when I saw him at the weigh-in but the kid was awesome.

"He got the knockdown but Grant stepped up his game and, for me, he won every round.

“It was more of a flash knockdown. Grant got up at four and stood a standing eight. He wasn’t dazed or anything. I still think Grant won that round.

“Southern Area is definitely the next step and I want it here in Kent.”