Ryan Rhodes was made to work hard for his title defence

Sheffield's Ryan Rhodes successfully defended his British light-middleweight title with a unanimous points victory over Scotland's Jamie Coyle.

Rhodes was dominant throughout but was made to work hard for his victory against a plucky opponent.

The 31-year-old started in spectacular fashion but Coyle held on and his best spells came in rounds six and seven.

Rhodes finished the fight strongly and came close to stopping his opponent, before eventually winning on points.

"I knew deep down it was going to be a tough fight," said Rhodes.

"It's the first 12 round fight I've won on points so I'm really happy about that. I feel fantastic and my training method is working.

"I'm back to my natural weight and I want to box for a world title and bring it back to Sheffield."

"I'm a bit disappointed, I thought I could have boxed better," said Coyle.

"I toughed it out but that is not the way to box Ryan Rhodes as he was too big and too strong."