Sam Sexton

Early years

Sexton started his professional career in September 2005, in his home town of Norwich when he defeated Paul Bonson over six rounds at Carrow Road. He ended up compiling a record of 7-0 before he was defeated by former ABA champion Dereck Chisora at the York Hall. The referee stopped the fight with 26 seconds to go in the last round. A distraught Sexton said after the fight "Maybe the occasion got to me. I really don't know. I'll go back watch the fight probably have a week off. I'll be back straight. I just didn't feel myself, but I'm not one to make excuses. I boxed, I lost, that's just the way it is".^[1]

Prizefighter champion

On 12 September 2008, Sexton competed in the "Prizefighter" competition in Newcastle upon Tyne.^[2] He defeated Pelé Reid in the quarter-final and Luke Simpkin in the semi-final, both by unanimous decision. Sexton then defeated Chris Burton in the final, the only boxer with an unbeaten professional record, the fight was stopped 2:10 into the third and final round.^[3] Talking of his pride at winning the tournament and picking up the £25,000 top prize, Sexton said "Winning this is by far my top moment in boxing. I’ve represented England and that was fantastic boxing for my country but this is something completely different...I don’t think I’m far off a British title shot now and I will see what I get offered. Hopefully I will be boxing for the British title as soon as possible."^[4][5]

Following the tournament Sexton returned to the ring in November in order to challenge for his first professional title belt, the Southern Area Championship. In the opposing corner, Colin Kenna was stopped in the 6th round to give Sexton his first professional belt.^[6]

Commonwealth heavyweight champion

Sexton fought Martin Rogan for his first defence of the Commonwealth heavyweight title, at the Odyssey, Belfast on 15 May 2009. Sexton defeated Rogan, handing him his first professional loss, after the doctor ruled that Rogan was unfit to continue in the 8th round due to a closed eye.^[7]

On 6 November at the same venue, he stopped Rogan in a rematch to retain his title. Rogan's corner threw in the towel before the start of the 7th round, handing Sexton the win. Rogan cited a neck injury preventing him using his left arm when interviewed afterwards, as the reason for being pulled out by his corner.^[8] On 13 February 2010, Sexton was due to fight Danny Williams for the British title at Wembley Arena but had to pull out with a hand injury. The fight was rearranged for May but Sexton pulled out after his mother suffered a brain aneurysm and was replaced by Dereck Chisora.^[9] Sexton fought for the British title on 18 September, matched up against Dereck Chisora.