Cruiserweight beat Swedish rival at Grays Civic Hall

Dagenham cruiserweight Tony Conquest was happy to launch his 2018 campaign with a fifth-round stoppage win over Marcus Alberts in Grays on Saturday night.

It was a victory to boost the boxer, who had won his only previous contest since 2015.

“I hope the win will open the doors to some big fights for me,” said the 34-year-old former Commonwealth champion.

Alberts had lost just twice his eight pro bouts and was an awkward rival for Conquest, firing long range punches to keep the exchanges at a distance.

However, the Swede was clearly shaken in the third round when caught by an overhand right.

Conquest stepped up the pace in the fifth when a powerful right hook had Alberts reeling and a similar punch sent him crashing against the ropes.

His unprotected chin was a target, but as Conquest moved in for the finish, referee Kieran McCann had clearly seen enough and sensibly signalled the end.