JOHN Wayne Hibbert successful defended his Commonwealth super lightweight title tonight, after he defeated Tommy Martin in the final round by knock-out.

The Horndon-on-the-Hill boxer fought 11 fast and furious rounds with Martin, but Hibbert had the Cambridgeshire man down in the 12th and final round.

Martin failed to get up in time as the referee counted to 10, as Hibbert celebrated with his team.

And Hibbert told the Sky Sports cameras he would give Martin a re-match, if that was what his team decided.

“Fair play to Tommy, what a fighter,” said Hibbert. “I didn’t think he had those 12 rounds in him. He hurt me and he has proved to a lot of the light welteweights that he is here to stay and he will come again.

“I would give Tommy a rematch. I am 31 but whatever my team and Eddie say I will do.”

Hibbert, who is good friends with Martin, dominated large spells of the early rounds with the Horndon boxer in control of the bout at London’s Copper Box.

However, Martin was not to be underestimated and threw the best punch of the fight so far in the fifth round, although Hibbert responded well.

Hibbert was looking controlled, showing his progress since his fight with Dave Ryan in September, as he continually had the younger fighter on the ropes.

Martin was growing in confidence as the rounds went on, landing a number of punches in the seventh round although both men were scoring with a variety of blows.

But Martin hit the deck in the 12th and final round as Hibbert defended his title, with Martin lifting him aloft in the ring.