A DENBIGH boxer saw off his Rhyl counterpart in the North Wales Light Heavyweight Championship in Wallasey on Friday (March 4).

Joe Roberts, who carried a red dragon flag into the ring with him, beat James Sweetman to win the belt.

After 11 bouts that evening, some fit, some heavy, some bloody, they came to the final and most important bout.

James started strongly but Joe controlled his temperament and showed extreme fitness levels, keeping cool under every threat, moving well, and landing punch after punch.

By the third round, there was a sea of blood coming from the nose of his opponent. James was punching to finish the fight so that he wouldn’t lose on points.

Joe held his own and counter punched, punching his nose continuously, and taking every hard punch; by the fourth round, it was obvious Joe had the strength to withstand any assault.

An expert said that Joe could hold his temperament and withstand the hurly burly of the early onslaught, calling it the best bout of the night.

Joe trains at the Cae Dai centre, which a core of keen boxing enthusiasts call their home.