Emma Dolan defended her British and Commonwealth belts in style at York Hall.
On a mild spring evening in the capital, the Dereham super-flyweight comprehensively outboxed challenger Lauren Parker over 10 two-minute rounds.
At the final bell, Dolan handed the former European champion only her second career defeat as she collected scores of 98-93, 98-92 and 97-93 on the judge's cards.
Dolan's mature performance on the night warranted this wide unanimous verdict, that few, even Parker, could have any argument with.
In the build-up to the fight, the 26-year-old referenced the different challenge that the tall and rangy Parker would bring. However, rather than being reticent or overawed, Dolan was adamant that it would merely present her with the opportunity to show off a wider range of her skills. No doubt this proved to be the case, with Britain's reigning WBO lightweight champion, Terri Harper, praising her on ringside commentary for her consistency, engine, and accuracy of her work.
Walking out to Massive Attack's 90s hit 'Unfinished Sympathy' Dolan started as if she had unfinished business of her own to take care of in the ring following a 10-month lay-off.
In a cagey opening round it was Dolan who established herself in centre ring and attempted to dictate the pace, whilst Parker had some success with individual shots.
This second round set the tone for the remainder of the contest as Dolan steadily grew in confidence and ascendancy. A raucous home crowd noisily roared their approval to any of Parker's shots that made it through on to the champion. However, these moments became increasingly rare and intermittent, as the fight progressed.
In what was an extremely mature performance Dolan refused to let Parker settle and find her range. Much of the challenger's most effective work was delivered by staccato single punches, whereas Dolan had much success with fluid combinations, that not only caught the eye of the judges, but also sucked the wind out of both Parker and her support.
This GBM Sports-promoted show at the fabled home of British boxing provided Dolan, who now extends her unbeaten record to eight victories (including one knockout), with a superb platform to showcase her abilities.
In her post fight interview with DAZN, Dolan wasted no time in calling out reigning IBF super-flyweight world champion, Irma Garcia. The vastly experienced 43-year-old champion has never fought outside of her native Mexico, South America or the USA.
However, with Dolan possessing her own number three ranking from the same sanctioning body, it is to be hoped that the fight could be a possibility for later in the year. But as ever in boxing, it will not only be subject to geography but also the usual political and financial machinations as well.
