Alldis claimed the vacant British super-bantamweight crown with a thrilling points victory over Harrow's Patrick Mullings at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Saturday.

And immediately after the fight Alldis' manager, Barry Hearn, put the wheels in motion for Alldis to defend his title in Crawley.

Hearn said: "I am very proud of Michael. He is a lovely lad and a real credit to boxing. "He's so professional and I would think the first thing he will say to me is, 'First defence in Crawley, please' and I would be delighted to see him do exactly that.

"It was a great fight, the fight of the year possibly, and I can't think of too many young men in boxing that deserve it more."

A triumphant Alldis, 31, sunk to his knees on the canvas after being awarded the fight by referee Roy Francis, who scored the contest 116-115.

The turning point was the fifth round when Alldis put Mullings down for a standing eight count which the Londoner never really recovered from.

Alldis said: "This means so much to me. It is a dream come true and words can't express how I feel."

After losing four previous title fights, Alldis now could make his first defence against Michael Brodie.

FIGHT REPORT - PAGE 35

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