By Simon Parker

Femi Fehintola lifted the English super-featherweight belt after a ring war in Nottingham last night.

The Bradford fighter recovered from an early knockdown to overpower Steven Bell and claim the title in a ten-round thriller on the Amir Khan undercard.

Fehintola admitted his game-plan went out the window after the shock of being put down by a hook in the opening round.

"After getting caught like that I just had to jump on him," said Fehintola. "My trainer had told me to go out there and win by any means necessary and I had to bully Bell.

"The TV commentators were raving afterwards about what a great fight it was. It was exciting for the fans and I enjoyed it - but it was not my usual sort of fight."

Manchester's Bell, a former double ABA champion, thought he had done enough to nick the decision and was gutted with the referee's 96-95 verdict in Fehintola's favour. So too was promoter Frank Warren.

But Fehintola never had any doubts that his arm would be held aloft.

"I was sure in my head that I was three or four rounds up. The only surprise was that it was given as close as that.

"I know Frank Warren was devastated about it - I didn't realise they were that bothered about Bell. It was a close fight but everybody in the place felt that if they had to pick a winner it was going to be me."

Fehintola is now under orders from trainer Richard Poxon to put his feet up until the new year when he will be lined up for a second crack at Carl Johanneson's British title.

He added: "I wanted another fight on a bill in Ireland in December but Richard just said shut up, you need a rest!' I've been active enough this year."

Original Article: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/1742004./