Benny May was crowned the IBA World welterweight champion following a 10th round stoppage of Vanny Purdy.

The two men fought out a gruelling bout at the Casino Rooms in Rochester on Sunday night, leaving May with a broken hand, ribs and nose.

Despite the injuries May (pictured), from Minster, took the title in front of close to 1,000 spectators.

"It was an epic," said 35-year-old May.

"It was the best 10 rounds of my life and everyone in the crowd were on their feet.

"We sold 609 tickets on the island alone and it made for a great atmosphere. They were behind me from the first bell and that was great. To have won was unbelievable."

The IBA is an up-and-coming organisation and at present is seen by many as a stepping stone to the higher organisations, such as the WBO, WBC and IBF.