Paul Halpin missed becoming a dad, because he was involved in a fight.

The Hove boxer was travelling to the weigh-in for his latest bout when he discovered partner Marcella James was about to deliver.

The couple are now the proud parents of a daughter, Tia Bella, and Halpin celebrated with a knockout victory.

Marcella gave birth to Tia Bella at the Royal Sussex County Hospital hours before Paul stopped his opponent Chris Jickles in a contest at Burton-on-Trent.

Halpin, a featherweight in the ring, is "ecstatic" to have a featherweight addition to the family outside the ropes.

But he admitted: "It was also a case of mixed emotions. I was really sad I couldn't be at the birth.

"I couldn't sleep a wink before the fight and when I was boxing all I was thinking about was Marcella and the baby.

"It almost cost me, because I took a shot in the first round, but then I got my act together."

Unbeaten Halpin, who fights next at Wembley Arena on August 12, is being helped on the road to stardom by Hove restaurant La Piazza.

They have presented him with a sponsored car.