Romford's light middleweight world champion Steve Roberts was in blistering form on Saturday evening at Wembley.

The referee had to step in as Roberts impressively demolished Argentinian Sergio Acuna inside the first round to retain his WBF title in terrific style, at the same time extending his proud unbeaten professional record to 23 wins.

Roberts decked Acuna three times before the referee called a halt to the proceedings.

Roberts has proved himself to be a fine boxer. Rarely spectacular (though Saturday's performance certainly was), he is quietly efficient, cool and professional at all times.

The time has surely come for him to challenge for one of the more highly regarded versions of the title, particularly if one bears in mind that Acuna had a good record, having only lost four of his 28 contests - each loss being on points after 12 rounds - and he once fought for the welterweight world title.

"I'm over the moon," said Roberts. "I hadn't expected it to be over so quickly.

"I caught him with a jab, right hook, which had him flat on his face; then a jab, straight left had him down for a count of eight; and, finally, a right hook put him down for another count of eight.

"Now I'm hoping to be fighting at Wembley again on April 7, maybe for the WBC version of the title."

On the same bill, Barking featherweight Marc P. Callaghan continued his winning ways, this time on points after six rounds against Birmingham's Tony Hanna.

This was the second time Hanna had tasted defeat at the hands of Callaghan, their previous meeting also ending in at points decision in the Barking man's favour back in August last year.

Callaghan's only professional defeat was caused by a controversial clash of heads in the opening round against Simon Chambers in May 1999.

Like Roberts, Callaghan has been building up a fine CV and before long should be given an opportunity to show what he can do at a higher level.

Meanwhile, IBO lightweight champion Michael Ayers, from Tooting, met up once again with Wayne Rigby, from Manchester.

Ayers won their first encounter in the 10th round and, although this encounter did not match the excitement of the first it, nonetheless, proved to be an intense contest which Ayers eventually won on a points decision - his sixth successful defence.

The vacant IBO super middleweight title was contested between former champion, popular Paul 'Silky' Jones and the exciting and equally-popular Adrian Dodson.

Dodson prevailed to earn his first major title, courtesy of a left hook which produced a knockout in the third round.

Worryingly Jones had to receive medical attention before being transferred, conscious, to a nearby hospital for observation overnight.

Fortunately, he was discharged on Sunday and allowed to return home to Sheffield, no doubt thankful not to have suffered any serious harm and rueing the fact that he had not been able to build upon the fine start he had made over the opening two rounds of the contest.

By Ivan Sage

Reporter's e-mail: ivan.sage@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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