Boxing champion Kieran Leinster defended his Queensbury Boxing League English middleweight title on Saturday and roared ‘I want the British crown next’.

The undefeated Teddington 22-year-old floored rival John Hefford at Epsom Racecourse in the third to make good his pre-fight promise of a comprehensive victory.

And now Leinster wants more.

He said: “That was a tough fight and he caught me with some big shots that did stagger me a bit, but fighting is in my blood and that’s what I love doing.

“He surprised me with just how strong he was, but I caught him in the second round with a body shot that sent him down and I knew he was weakening and ready to go.

“That was definitely the hardest fight of my career so far, but I still really enjoyed it and now I’m looking at the pinnacle of the division, which is the British title and that’s what I want next.