Toronto boxer Blake Minto has added another title to his growing collection with a win at Newcastle.
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Minto, 26, scored a unanimous points decision over Gearoid Clancy, at Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) on June 22, to claim the International Boxing Organisation's vacant Asia Pacific super lightweight title.
It was an entertaining bout full of action, and the turning point came in the sixth round.
Minto was backed up against the ropes by a barrage of right hands from Clancy who surged on the back of some vocal supporters at ringside.
But just when the Sydneysider might have expected Minto to retreat or soften his resolve, the Toronto boxer instead shook off the blows and advanced on Clancy who had clearly used up a lot of petrol.
From there, Minto's supreme fitness and relentless work rate dominated. Minto scored a knock-down in the ninth round, but Clancy's dangerous punching power remained a threat until the final bell.
Throughout the bout, Clancy provided a stern examination of Minto's defences. Clancy used some sweeping left hands to the body in an attempt to lower Minto's high and tight guard, and he combined those with dangerous overhand rights.
But Minto blocked and absorbed it all, and whenever Clancy looked to step back for a breather, he'd find Minto storming forward to apply more pressure.
Judges scored the fight 98-92, 97-93 and 99-91 to Minto.
The Team Machine Boxing Club owner claimed the vacant World Boxing Foundation world super lightweight belt at the same venue in March, last year, against Sergio Eduardo Gonzalez.