Gavin Tait propelled himself into the mix for English and British boxing honours after being crowned Southern Area welterweight champion.

The 35-year-old from Sheerness defeated Chas Symonds on points at the Coronet Theatre in London on Friday night.

Tait (pictured) said: "I’m right in the mix now and will wait and see what I get offered. It could be an English title chance or even the British.

"I’ve been a pro since 2004 and done everything the hard way.

"I have been fighting in people’s back gardens where you need to knock someone out to get a result.

"I’m glad this time around I got a fair chance."

Symonds was down in the third but Tait’s hopes faded after suffering cuts above both eyes in round six.

Only after an examination by the ringside doctor was the fight allowed to continue.

After 10 gruelling rounds, referee Robert Williams scored the contest 96-94 in Tait’s favour to hand him the belt.