John Duddy and Howard Eastman trade blows in Belfast

Referee Sean Russell scored the fight 96-94 in the Derry fighter's favour.

Duddy dominated the 10-round bout but Eastman was always dangerous and he landed with a number of uppercuts.

Dungiven's Paul McCloskey won the IBF International light-welterweight belt on the same bill with a fourth-round stoppage against Tontcho Tontchev.

Duddy was not totally pleased with his performance as he chalked up his 23rd straight victory.

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"When I was rushing him in the first half of the fight he couldn't handle me," said the 28-year-old.

"But when I started taking my time and letting him land at the end of his shots he was a bit more successful.

"I took his big dangerous right hand and it never fazed me - I took his best and I landed with my best.

"The fact I'm fighting a guy ranked in the top 10 by all the governing bodies shows I'm worthy of being in the top 10 and we are looking for a world title."

Eastman, who was celebrating his 37th birthday, was eager to bounce back after a British title defeat by Wayne Elcock in September.

But the former British, Commonwealth and European champion failed to get enough power on his punches to trouble his younger opponent.