Epsom boxer James Hamilton firmly put himself in line for a title shot in the Queensbury Boxing League this Easter, after extending his unbeaten run on Saturday night.

Returning to action after a five-month absence from the ring, light heavyweight Hamilton showed no mercy in disposing of Surrey rival Lloyd Skull early in the second round of their contest, sending his opponent to the canvas at the end of the opening round.

It was the 26-year-old's third straight win in the competition since joining back in 2015, and Hamilton’s next fight could see him challenge for the vacant novice title on home soil at Epsom Downs racecourse on April 9.

Hamilton’s coach Ian Johnson said: “Although James won the fight convincingly, I think he got a bit of a shock at the start when he got caught with a few stiff jabs from Skull that shook him, but he recovered well and put Skull down right at the end of the round.

“When James came out for the second I could still see that his opponent had not thrown off the effects of that first knockdown, and we urged him to pounce on Skull straight away which he did and forced the referee to stop the contest as Skull was in no position to continue."

He added: “ Now James has got that win we will be pushing for that title shot in April, and I’m sure he will be more than ready for it when the time comes”