Worldwide audience for Paignton boxer's fight

In her first fight since her controversial Commonwealth title draw back in September at the Riviera Centre, Kristine Shergold travelled to Leeds on Saturday and took on top prospect Rhiannon Dixon, writes PHILIP SHARKEY.

Krissy, a support worker for people with learning disabilities, fortunately had holiday time and was able to take two weeks to prepare.

Dixon, a full-time pro and under the wing of ex world champion pro Anthony Crolla and promoted by Matchroom Boxing, had all the advantages.

However, she was pushed all the way by the Paignton veteran.

The unbeaten Warrington 27 year old got off to a fast start as Krissy preferred to see how best to counter Dixon’s awkward southpaw stance and she impressed the Dazn commentators with her late rally as she seemed to win the last two rounds of the eight-round contest that was televised live worldwide on the undercard of Josh Warrington's featherweight world title fight.

Referee Mark Lyson gave the decision to Dixon after a hard-fought battle that saw Shergold acquit herself admirably.

Kristine intends on continuing her career in the new year and is currently looking for sponsorship to help with her training and equipment costs.