TILEHURST super-welterweight Asinia Byfield turned in one of the best displays of his career as he stopped John Brennan in the sixth round to defend his Southern Area title at York Hall on Saturday night, writes Richard Ashton.

The 27-year-old had won the title by beating Erick Ochieng on points last October, but he showcased his power to halt the gutsy Slough fighter Brennan inside the distance.

Byfield used his jab effectively during the opening round as he avoided his opponent’s attempted big shots, before the bout exploded into life in the second.

Brennan was rocked by the champion as he tried to make the running, and Byfield capitalised by throwing a series of snapping punches which put his opponent on the back foot.

Yet Brennan proved a worthy contender and worked bravely to get himself back into the contest, constantly coming forward to take the third round honours.

In an even contest, Byfield began to counter-attack on the back foot as an entertaining brawl captivated the crowd.

The decisive moment came in the sixth round. Just as Brennan appeared to be getting on top he was caught by a vicious Byfield shot, and the champion capitalised by continuing the assault to leave his opponent flailing.

Byfield threw a succession of powerful shots which sent Brennan staggering across the ring, with the referee then stepping in to call short a bout which captured the imagination of those in attendance.

Fellow Reading fighter Gelasius Taaru maintained his unbeaten start to his professional career on the undercard of promoter Micky Helliett’s event.

The featherweight made short work of Bulgarian Stefan Sashov to record his second straight victory, proving far too strong for his opponent.

From the outset Taaru appeared the better fighter, Sashov trying to make the encounter a scrappy affair from the beginning.

He was unable to deal with the speed, accuracy and power of Taaru, attempting to spoil from early in proceedings. This eventually led to a point deduction in the third round, and shortly after the fight was stopped.

Fellow featherweight Dan Neville enjoyed a winning debut as he saw off Ricky Leach on points.

The pair traded body shots throughout the contest, but it was the busier Neville who impressed the judges, taking the bout 40-36 after four rounds.