LUCY Payne, of Tavern Fitness and Martial Arts in Watchet, is the new English middleweight champion.

She went into her title-winning bout as the Southern Area champion and won the championship in style.

She stopped her opponent in the second round after a flurry of hard punches to the head and three huge body shots, with her corner throwing in the towel.

A delighted Payne said afterwards: "The training for this contest was a lot more difficult this time round as my coach had to adapt and change it due to a bad shoulder injury.

"Time, consistency and perseverance all paid off and combined with a positive mindset the win was ours!"

“I would like to say a huge thanks to my sponsors, Kwik Stop Ltd, who have backed me every single time, Window Woman Locksmith, Torre Cider Farm, Rregenna, Bitzcomp Ltd.

"I would like to say a big thank-you to all of the Tavern family and to all of my family and friends who came to support me on the night.

“And to my coach Simon Gorman, for his time, his expertise, his adaptions, his commitment to my training and for being the best coach throughout and in the corner on the night. I couldn't wish for any better!