Skelton has enjoyed a meteoric rise as a pro boxer

Skelton captured the belt after converting to boxing from K-1 martial arts just 19 months ago.

It has been a rapid rise for Skelton, who says he is 35 but may be 37, and he tore into Sprott from the opening bell.

The 28-year-old Sprott had no answer for Skelton's direct approach and has now lost seven times in 32 fights.

Skelton, from Bedford, paid tribute to the "unbelievable support" he had from his fans and said he was overwhelmed at clinching the British title.

I knew I'd have to bully the fight and that's what I've done Matt Skelton

"I wanted it badly and I have to pinch myself that I've got it," he said.

Skelton felt his aggressive approach to the fight had been the right one.

"I knew Michael Sprott had a lot more experience than me and I sat down with my team and discussed how to approach it," he said.

"I knew I'd have to bully the fight and that's what I've done."

Going into the final round, both fighters appeared to realise they might need a big last session and it was Skelton who summoned up the reserves for one big attack.

He threw everything he had at Sprott, who could do nothing to fend him off.

After just 56 seconds of the round, he knocked Sprott to the floor and when the champion clambered to his feet at the count of nine referee Richie Davies ruled it was all over.

Davies knew from the opening minute that he was going to have to earn his money.

The fighters wrestled each other to the floor inside the opening minute and before the first round was over he had warned Skelton twice more for holding Sprott's neck with his left hand while clubbing him with the right.

Skelton was also lectured for hitting Sprott on the back of the head but when it happened again Sprott, who looked equally to blame, was told off for turning his back.

I am not hanging around and I'm not ducking anyone Matt Skelton

The opening rounds went to Skelton, who was throwing more and bigger punches.

But by the middle rounds, Skelton was finally forced to give ground and his desperation was starting to show when Sprott caught him flush, only for the Bedford man to thump his chest in defiance.

Skelton's anxiety surfaced again when he butted Sprott, picking up another warning from the referee.

But just when it looked as though the balance was shifting, Skelton stormed out for the eighth round and unleashed a two-handed attack.

His momentum wavered when he threw Sprott to the floor for a third time and in the ninth round another big attack from Skelton finally had Sprott reeling.

Skelton also took the 10th but appeared to be tiring down the home straight and Sprott, finally getting behind his jab, appeared to be assuming control.

He looked the favourite for a big finish but Skelton had other ideas and he can now look forward to mounting a challenge for Luan Krasniqi's European title.

Skelton said: "Experience is one thing I am not going to get. I am not hanging around and I'm not ducking anyone."