Jamie McDonnell beats Julio Ceja to win IBF world bantamweight title

Doncaster's Jamie McDonnell delivered the performance of his life to beat Julio Ceja and become the new IBF world bantamweight champion.

The 27-year-old won a narrow points victory over the unbeaten Mexican at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

The Englishman seemed to grow in confidence following some nervy opening rounds against a dangerous fighter who had knocked out 22 of his 24 opponents.

And in the end McDonnell had too much for Ceja in a hugely entertaining bout.

McDonnell told Primetime: "What an amazing feeling, it's unbelievable.

"I was enjoying that, I wouldn't have minded a couple more rounds to get the stoppage."

Around 3,000 enthusiastic fans helped to cheer McDonnell to victory - which may have influenced the scoring of one judge who had it 118-110 in McDonnell's favour when in truth the bout was much closer.

The Yorkshireman delivered a rousing performance following that slow start against a 20-year-old who already had a fearsome reputation.

Ceja landed some powerful right hands throughout. But McDonnell rarely looked in too much trouble, absorbing the Mexican's power and landing some classy shots of his own.

The fight increasingly ebbed and flowed before a thrilling final round in which McDonnell just did enough to stay ahead of Ceja on the judges' scorecards.

Promoter Dennis Hobson said: "It's great, he's a special talent. The best thing is he's still improving, how scary is that?"