BLOODIED hero Shayne The Pain Singleton says his English light-welterweight title win is still sinking in after he lived up to his nickname and went through the pain barrier and beyond to beat Curtis Woodhouse on the biggest night of his life.

Colne’s 23-year-old beat belt holder Woodhouse on points – a decision that upset the former footballer’s camp – but Singleton’s win was all the more remarkable as he fought for eight rounds of a punishing contest with a broken left hand.

Singleton had to dig deeper than ever before in his unblemished career as the Yorkshireman turned the contest into a real war of the Roses and in addition to his broken hand, the local star was cut under both eyes by Woodhouse’s head.

But he showed he had the heart of a lion as he stood firm against a ferocious Woodhouse assault and claimed the contest on a split decision.

“I am buzzing and it will take a while to sink in,” said Singleton. “It means everything – and to do it after such a hard fight makes it even better.

“Woodhouse is a tough competitor and he wanted to make it a war. His camp just expected me to turn up and be knocked out - but there was no way that was happening and there was no way I was going to roll over. It meant too much.

“Even when my I broke my hand in the second round I was just more determined to win and become the champion.

“It was the toughest fight I’ve had but I am so proud that I came through and maybe proved a few of the people who thought I couldn’t fight wrong.”

After Singleton won the first round with ease, Woodhouse went on the attack and threatened to take the contest away from the Colne man, who was backed by more than 300 fans at the Bowlers complex in Trafford Park.

However, Singleton worked well behind his jab to get back into the fight.

Singleton’s corner worked on the damage to their man’s face - suffered mid-fight as Woodhouse used his head to damaging effect while close in - and ahead of the last round they sent him out with orders to fight the three minutes of his life.

Woodhouse was docked a point for punching on the break in that final round and that proved pivotal as judge Phil Edwards scored the contest 96-94 for Singleton, Dave Parris had it 96-94 for Woodhouse with Steve Gray’s deciding card showing 96-95 in favour of the new champion.

The Woodhouse camp were furious and their man seems set to retire as a result but Singleton said: “They weren’t happy at the end but that’s boxing. Three top judges were at ringside and they called it how they saw it.

“I knew it was close and I knew the last round was the big one and Woodhouse having a point deducted was costly for him.

“It means everything and the feeling when it was announced ‘the winner and the new’ was amazing.

“I am going to take a week off now and take a holiday as it’s been a heck of a few months.

“After the holiday I’ll get back in the gym and work towards the next fight because there’s more to come from me.”