Donovan 'Police' Campbell outclassed Ramel 'Sub Zero' Lewis to claim the Wray and Nephew Contender welterweight crown by a unanimous decision, at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night.

With the fight going the distance inside a packed venue, the full 10 rounds, judge Keith Brown scored the fight 99-91, Clifford Brown 96-94 and Luke Irons 99-91, all in favour of Campbell.

"I knew he was strong but I decided to go right at him. It has been a long time since I have wanted a championship belt around my waist. It was not even about the money. I would like to thank Ramel for the fight but somebody had to win and somebody has to lose," Campbell said after the fight.

flurry of punches

Although the fight went the distance, in truth it seemed over long before that, as with around three rounds to go a staggering Lewis held on for dear life from a flurry of punches from Campbell. The 43-year-old, however, seemed unable to deliver the knockout blow but won the fight in convincing fashion.

Both boxers began the fight in a sprightly fashion and traded punches early on, but it was the younger Lewis who seemed to have the advantage early on. However, the 24-year-old's stamina was always going to be an issue and lost power and his legs with each round the fight progressed.