COLNE class act Shayne Singleton made a step into the unknown as he fought for the first time as a welterweight on Friday night – but the 24-year-old sent out a clear message that the latest chapter of his boxing career is only just beginning.

Singleton was roared on by a packed crowd at The Muni in his home town as he debuted at the 10 and a half stone category in some style.

Granted it was only a six-round contest for the former English light-welterweight champion, Singleton was a class apart from Welsh opponent Leon Findlay as he looks to race up the welterweight rankings and towards a title tilt in 2014.

Singleton was being lined for a shot at the British light-welterweight title but in the build-up to a fight with Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse he was forced to call off the contest and relinquish his English belt after struggling to make the 10 stone weight limit.

Trainer Karl Ince pushed him up a division and Friday marked his return to the ring and a rare appearance in Colne. And the people of the town hold their man dear.

The first man from the town to win a professional belt, Singleton is treated like a hero by his peers and the reception as he headed through the ropes was special.

Findlay, a tough fighter from Ammerford in South Wales, had only fought outside his country once before but was in no mood to roll over in East Lancashire, even though Singleton was fully in control of the contest.

However, a minute into the sixth round the Colne star caught Findlay with a ferocious left upper-cut that sent the 29-year-old sprawling to the canvas.

Although a shaken Findlay beat the count, Singleton moved in for the kill and the referee stepped in to call a halt.

The night was also a big success for the other local fighters on the bill as Darwen destroyer Stevie Taylor convincingly won his sixth professional fight of his career against Roslandas Cesna, knocking his Slovakian opponent out in the fourth.

Atif Mushtaq, Haidher Riaz and Qasim Niaz were also winners as they look to develop their careers.