A knockout performance from master Baker of the Peterborough Police Club

Baker (19) took on fellow National title holder Ethan Hubbard (23) of Eastgate ABC in the 85kg division. Hubbard is a tricky southpaw fighter who won a senior title last year.

However, Baker showed maturity and class well beyond his experience in just his fourth senior bout.

Controlling the centre of the ring from the outset, he established dominance with a sharp jab and expertly timed backhand counters. Despite facing a stronger and more physically developed opponent, Baker remained composed and executed his game plan perfectly.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with Baker repeatedly landing his powerful backhand, visibly troubling Hubbard each time. The bout had the crowd on its feet, with strong local support behind Hubbard, but Baker remained unfazed.

In the third round, Baker stepped it up another level. Setting his opponent up brilliantly, he unleashed a devastating combination – left hook followed by a right-hand cross – that sent Hubbard crashing to the canvas.

The referee waved the bout off as Hubbard was unable to rise, sealing a stunning knockout victory for Baker and leaving the partisan crowd speechless.

It was a statement win for the young city fighter against a highly accomplished and physically imposing opponent.

The club now looks ahead to the National quarter-finals, which take place this weekend at the Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury.

Police Club youngster Oliver Plumb (13) competed in a 45kg skills (non-scoring) bout against Michael Richards of Mid Essex ABC and dominated so completely the referee continually asked him to ease off before the fight was stopped in the final round.

Following this performance, Plumb has now been signed off from skills bouts and will move on to competitive contests, a significant milestone in his development.