A SELL-OUT crowd was thrilled by a thrilling night of boxing at Grays’ Civic Hall which was capped by an impressive win from James Banks in the Battle of Grays.

Banks stopped the popular Gino Antonio in the third round to be crowned the new EBA English Champion in the showpiece fight of the evening.

Antonio started the stronger and nearly forced the stoppage in the first round, but Banks sucked it up and after a stern talking to from trainer Steve Kerridge, he came out like a wounded animal in the second round.

Banks proved too much for Antonio in the third round when he forced two standing counts before referee Colin Payne called a halt to the action late in the third round.

There were 12 other entertaining fights on the bill, including a win for Kyle McCarthy, older brother of Tilbury star Matt who is also his trainer.

Kyle McCarthy, 24, extended his record to three wins, all by knockouts, and no defeats with a stylish victory over the much more experienced Stephen Littlewood to become the southern area light welterweight champion.

Littlewood was subjected to some big hits from McCarthy and the fight should have been stopped in the second round but the Tilbury man got the job done in the third when a big combination to the head and body gave Littlewood a standing eight count.

The referee allowed Littlewood to continue, but not for long as McCarthy stepped up the pressure and the referee ended the fight.

Also on the bill, Joe Draper beat Josh Vaughan on points in what was a very close fight that could have gone either way, while Jay Cartwright did the same in a fight just as close with Scott Moakes.

There were points wins for Garfield Chavvy over Michael Barker, Ryan Taylor over Danny Cook and the impressive Stephen Cottle over James Ridge as he retained his southern area title.

Rickie Talbot beat Paul Bryden by points decision to win the vacant southern area welterweight title in one of the fights of the night while there was an entertaining draw between Joe Danaher and Josh Pickering which saw Pickering knocking Danaher down in the third to get the draw.

Sam Delaney produced a great fight to beat the heavier Shane Craig as he looks to continue the path to the professional ranks while there were stoppage wins for Ashley Isherwood over Dean Worth, Sean Marshall over Ryan Dahl and John Lee over Gavin Lamb.

About 350 people packed into the Civic Hall to watch the action.

Promoter Lee Eaton said: “I am over the moon with the show. It was a complete sell out and was easily the best show I've ever promoted and the shows are only going to get bigger.”

Eaton thanks sponsors Grayers Graphics, Locks Martial Arts Academy, Howgates, Taksim Square, Flatts Finishes, JVH Building Services.