AFTER clinching the biggest victory of his life, Joe Hughes will finally allow himself to exhale.

Becoming the English light-welterweight champion by taking a split decision against tricky County Durham competitor Anthony Hardy at the Bath Pavilion last weekend was the culmination of a 15-month period where the 24-year-old has gritted his teeth and forcibly hauled his career to the next level.

The coveted English title was the fourth belt the Malmesbury fighter has won in his last four outings and Hughes, who is trained and managed by Andy O’Kane at Paddy John’s Gym in Bristol, was thrilled to finally be rewarded with a major prize.

Hughes split with top promoter Kellie Maloney following her retirement from boxing promotion in 2013 and also endured a whole year out with injury but the picture now couldn’t be rosier for the newly-crowned king of England, who is looking forward to some well-earned rest.

“I had everything great when I started off. I was a big prospect and I was getting paid well and then it all went to pot,” said Hughes.

“I lost a fight (to Joe Elfidh) and Maloney lost the Sky deal and everything like that.

“And then it was like building from the beginning. It was like making my debut again.

“Andy has built me up again from that and I’ve won four titles in my last four fights now.

“They’ve all been tough fights and they’ve all been against the best opponents we can get. I’ve fought three undefeated opponents already and I’ve only had 13 fights.

“I’d been training for this fight really since Christmas and I haven’t stopped, so it would be nice to have a little break and let it sink in for a little bit.

“For a week at least and then I’m straight back to it.

“That’s the thing with boxing – you’re always looking on to the next thing. You never really get the chance to savour what you’ve done.

“And I think I’ve achieved a lot already – not just as a pro but as an amateur – but I think I’ll enjoy this for a little bit and then I’ll look on to what’s next.”

Hughes triumphed over his tall, rangy opponent after 10 thrilling rounds in Bath with ring judge Reece Carter’s 97-95 score in favour of Hardy providing a heart-stopping moment for the home fighter before his coronation was confirmed.

The former ABA champion added: “I’ve been chasing this belt for a long time now and to finally have it.

“I’m really happy with it and no-one can take that away from me now.

“I won plenty of national titles as an amateur and it’s always a worry whether you can cross over and do it as a pro.

“I’ve been going alright as a pro but that’s sort of a breakthrough title to win.”