Pauls realises dream after winning British title

Brad Pauls became the first Cornish fighter to win a British title since 1939

New British middleweight champion Brad Pauls says he has realised his dream after his title win.

The 31-year-old from Newquay in Cornwall beat Stoke's Nathan Heaney in the 12th round of a dramatic rematch in Birmingham on Saturday.

The pair had drawn their first meeting in May as Pauls inflicted a first career loss on Heaney in his 20th fight to become the first Cornish fighter to win a British title since before World War Two.

"I've dreamed of this since I was a little kid, it doesn't matter where you start, it's where you finish," Pauls told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The first Cornishman since 1939, this little belt's going to Newquay, a little surfer town, it's crazy.

"But I've worked for 21 years, I gave everything I've got in that fight and here it is, the new British middleweight champion."

Pauls secured his 11th knockout win in 19 professional victories

Pauls, who took his record as a professional to 19 wins, one draw and one loss, was quick to praise his opponent.

"I had to put a dent in Nathan, he has a very good engine, he's very durable and has a very good chin, I caught him clean and he stayed on his feet multiple times and he didn't give up.

"I knew eventually I'd get to Nathan and had to keep applying the pressure."

He added: "I respect him massively, I'm not sure what he will do next, but he didn't look bad in there, I think he put up an absolutely amazing fight and he should carry on and all the best for him."

As for what is next, Pauls says he is happy to take on whoever is put up in front of him.

"I'll fight anyone they want me to fight, I'm sure there's lots of options out there, it's a very busy middleweight division.

"[Hamzah] Sheeraz, [Tyler] Denny, it is stacked, so whatever they want I'll do it.

"I'm just enjoying my moment and it's a pleasure."