Learning curve paying off for stylish Scunthorpe boxer Cameron Stevenson

Scunthorpe welterweight Cameron Stevenson believes his university studies are helping him enjoy success in the ring.

Stevenson took his professional record to four wins from four with a points decision over Andy Hardy at Hull's Sports Arena.

Outside the ring, he is studying sports coaching and performance at Hull University.

"There is a lot I can take from my studies into each of my fights," Stevenson said after furthering an already promising reputation.

"If I have an exam coming up I know I have to be disciplined to study hard for it.

"The same applies with an upcoming fight and I have to be disciplined and train hard for it too.

"The course helps me understand sport and performance and has taught me a lot about consistency.

"I have one more year left and I intend to learn as much as I can to be a better boxer."

Stevenson, a former pupil at Frederick Gough, has now turned his attention to his next fight.

His opponent should be announced later this week, but he's already training for the bout, expected to take place around the start of November.

Stevenson was eight pounds lighter when he beat Hardy after six two-minutes rounds.

He admits that has given him greater confidence for future fights.

"I gave away eight pounds in my last fight and came through to win," he said.

"That is a massive boost to my confidence.

"My last two or three fights have been against boxers above my weight and I have won them all.

"I know I can be a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division."

With every fight he wins, Stevenson admits he is learning more and more.

"I'm learning to use my defence more," he said.

"I'm also improving my levels of concentration.

"Six two-minute rounds mean the punches come fast and furious and I have to think and move quicker.

"It's easy to do something stupid when the red mist descends, but I am learning to be more clever."

Stevenson won the contest with Hardy 59-56 – a decision the 21-year-old said was 'fair' at the end of what he thought had been the toughest of his four professional bouts.

And the welterweight was delighted with the number of travelling fans who made the trip across the Humber.

"Massive respect to my opponent, he came to cause an upset, but unfortunately for him I was never going to let that happen," he said.

"He came out at a fast pace but eventually his power began to weaken as the fight went on and that's when I pushed the tempo and demonstrated my fitness and boxing skills – I showed I was a clever fighter.

"One of the main aspects which stood out all night was my support, I had the loudest cheering fans all night.

"Scunthorpe made a lot of noise in Hull.

"I had a lot friends and family behind me all the way, even the ones who couldn't make it sending me good luck, they really did spur me on."