West Ham United-supporting boxer Gary 'Spike' O'Sulivan has expressed his pride after beating Matthew Hall at the Boleyn Ground.
Forming part of the undercard preceding David Haye's fifth-round stoppage of Dereck Chisora, O'Sullivan won a unanimous point's decision to win the WBO International Middleweight title.
The Cork-born fighter now has 120 days to defend his title, but he did manage to take the time to celebrate victory at the home of his beloved Hammers.
"My opponent on the night was a very tough, direct kind of a fighter, but my training paid off, I punched harder, landed more shots and was more accurate from start to finish.
"It was an amazing night, and to have won the most important fight of my career so far at Upton Park was an experience that will never forget. It still hasn't really sunk in."
O'Sullivan entered the fight following just two weeks preparation, but the 28-year-old admitted nothing was going to stop him from achieving his goal.
"When I heard last month I would get the chance to fight for the WBO International Middleweight title it was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. It was very short notice to accept such an important fight, but there was no way I was going to miss out fighting at Upton Park."
O'Sullivan has visited the Boleyn Ground before to watch West Ham in action at the end of the 2010/11 season and is hoping to return to see them in Barclays Premier League action this term.
"It was an experience I'll never forget. Even though the club was relegated that day it was fantastic, the way the fans continued to sing and cheer throughout will stay with me forever.
"West Ham definitely have the best fans in the Premier League, and I'm delighted to see them back where they belong."
Hailing from the south west of Ireland, O'Sullivan's West Ham links may not appear obvious on the face of it. However, his English-born grand-uncle is a lifelong Hammer, meaning he has had claret and blue in his blood since birth.
"My mother was born in England, as was her uncle who was a key figure in my life. He was a passionate West Ham fan, and because of that I've always had a love for the club."