Chris Hobbs declared himself “part of history” after landing the Southern Area light heavyweight title.

The Army man from Southampton finally fulfilled his destiny as he defeated Jordan Joseph over ten gruelling rounds at the York Hall in Bethnall Green.

The fight turned into the real battle many had predicted given the fact the fighters came into the bout boasting such similar records.

In the end it went down to the referee’s scorecard and Hobbs got the nod with a 97-95 verdict to bring home the belt.

He said: “It was a great night. I fought hard and won the first few rounds, got caught with some big body shots in the fourth and had to get through. The middle rounds were close and I finished stronger in the last two rounds.

“It was a top fight night and I’m absolutely buzzing to now be part of history as the Southern Area light heavyweight champion. I went into his back yard and won and it feels great.

“My kids get to have a belt and know their dad did well.

“Jordan Joseph was a lot tougher than I thought he would be and he fought very hard. He is a nice lad and he will in future do ok, but Saturday night I wasn't going be stopped.

“I wanted it more than anything.”

Hobbs’ run to the title has at times seemed cursed with fights falling through due to horrible injuries such as his dislocated shoulder that required surgery and bad luck involving opponents.

However, he never stopped believing, even when the doctors told him he may never be able to step into the ring again, and now he has his reward.

The inevitable question now for Hobbs is where he goes next.

He could choose to defend the belt, with some big potential local fights that could be made.

Hobbs will be a man in demand and there could well be the chance to fight for another title in the not too distant future.

For now, though, Hobbs is revelling in the glory.

“Now I will rest up for a week and wait to see when I get my next fight,” he said.

“The body is sore but I know there be plenty of people wanting my title so we shall see and hopefully I can move on to bigger stuff.

“I have to say big thanks to the guys from Southampton and all the army guys who followed me up to York Hall and shouted louder his fans. It was brilliant.

“This feeling is going last for days.

“There have not been many area champions from Southampton and it’s a great feeling.

“I also owe thanks to my manager Michael Ballingall who got me the chance, and my trainers, Steve Bendall and Glenn Smith, as well as my wife Emma for putting up with me. “